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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name: Duck Slough (Merced County)
Water Body ID: CAR5357000020080808202452
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
118569
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by action other than TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by action other than TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Expected Attainment Date: 2026
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Five of the 91 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for 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. Five of the 91 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. A water quality management plan for chlorpyrifos in Duck Slough (Merced County) was approved by the Central Valley Water Board Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. Management practices were implemented by growers to address chlorpyrifos exceedances.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118569, Chlorpyrifos
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 132637
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 32 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration [CCC] to protect aquatic organisms from chronic exposure is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 2 monitoring site(s) (535XDSAGR, 535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition 
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118569, Chlorpyrifos
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22038
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-one water samples were collected from Duck Slough between July 2004 and September 2006, representing twenty-one calculated 4-day average chlorpyrifos concentrations and twenty-one 1-hour average chlorpyrifos concentrations. Three of the twenty-one 4-day average chlorpyrifos concentrations exceeded the 4-day average chlorpyrifos criterion of 0.015 ug/L. Three of the twenty-one 1-hour average chlorpyrifos concentrations exceeded the 1-hour average chlorpyrifos criterion of 0.025 ug/L.
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Department of Fish and Game Hazard Assessment Chlorpyrifos Criteria: 0.015 ug/L as a 4-day average concentration, and 0.025 ug/L as a 1-hour average concentration, not to be exceeded more than once every three years.
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Highway 99 and at Arboleda Drive.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at monthly from July 2004 through September 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118569, Chlorpyrifos
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187267
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm 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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (4 day average)(Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2011-09-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118569, Chlorpyrifos
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187473
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 34 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (4 day average)(Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
165296
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
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 removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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. Historical bacteria LOEs (pre-2010 data) have been removed and data has been compared to the newer E. coli bacteria water quality objective. Sixteen of the 62 samples, expressed as a Statistical Threshold Value (STV), exceed the objective for REC-1.

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. Sixteen of the 62 samples, expressed as a Statistical Threshold Value (STV), exceed the objective for REC-1 and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 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 165296, Indicator Bacteria
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 194461
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 13 of the 52 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a STATISTICAL THRESHOLD VALUE (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL not to be exceeded more than 10 percent of the time (calculated monthly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 535XDSAGR
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-14 and 2018-09-11 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165296, Indicator Bacteria
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 329431
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 10 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2018-10-09 and 2019-09-10 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159513
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 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 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.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. Nineteen of the 207 water samples exceed the objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. Eleven of the 31 sediment samples exceed the objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.

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. Nineteen of the 207 water samples exceed the objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. Eleven of the 31 sediment samples exceed the objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. 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 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22041
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 37 samples tested with Pimephales promelas were toxic and violated the narrative toxicity objective.
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. This objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances. (CVRWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Statistically significant difference from control using a t-test with 4-day acute-style toxicity tests.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Gurr Road and Highway 99.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from July 2004 - September 2006
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22047
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 4 of the 40 samples tested with Ceriodaphnia dubia were toxic and violated the narrative toxicity objective. Three samples collected at Gurr Road exhibited a statistically significant decrease in survival compared to the control. The sample dates and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:28 February 2006 (37)10 March 2006 (35)15 March 2006 (42)One sample collected at Highway 99 exhibited a statistically significant decrease in survival compared to the control. The sample date and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:17 May 2006 (0)
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. This objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances. (CVRWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Statistically significant difference from control using a t-test with 4-day acute-style toxicity tests.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Gurr Road and Highway 99.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from July 2004 to September 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22042
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of 37 samples tested with Selenastrum capricornutum were toxic and violated the narrative toxicity objective. One sample collected at Gurr Road exhibited a statistically significant decrease in growth compared to the control. The sample date and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:24 September 2004 (74)One sample collected at Hwy 99 exhibited a statistically significant decrease in growth compared to the control. The sample date and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:12 July 2005 (77)Four samples collected at Arboledo Drive exhibited a statistically significant decrease in growth compared to the control. The sample dates and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:20 July 2004 (86)4 August 2004 (60)18 August 2004 (79)15 September 2004 (62)
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. This objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances. (CVRWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Statistically significant difference from control using a t-test with 4-day chronic-style toxicity tests.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Gurr Road, Hwy 99 and Arboledo Drive.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from July 2004 to September 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22048
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three of the 10 samples tested with Hyalella azteca were toxic and violated the narrative toxicity objective. Three samples collected at Gurr Road exhibited a statistically significant decrease in survival compared to the control. The sample dates and percent of control (in parentheses) are as follows:31 August 2004 (36)12 July 2005 (65)20 September 2005 (4)
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. This objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances. (CVRWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Statistically significant difference from control using a t-test with 10-day Hyalella azteca sediment toxicity tests.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Gurr Road, Hwy 99 and Arboleda Drive.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from August 2004 to August 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63212
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 76
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seventy-six samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Nine of the samples exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia (4 samples) and Selenastrum capricornutum (5 samples). The toxicity tests included survival of Ceriodaphnia dubia, survival of Pimephales promelas, and total cell count of Selenastrum capricornutum. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 5 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold. This data set reports a simple pass/fail (Yes/NO) code to report toxicity that is equivalent to the SWAMP SL code.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Duck Slough at Gurr Rd, Duck Slough at Hwy 59 and Duck Slough at Hwy 99.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from July 2004 to September 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected under the Quality Assurance Project Plan For Monitoring By The East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 59140
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nineteen samples were collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. Eight of the samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day at the same location with the same lab sample id (if provided).
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 5 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted using the significant effect code: S equals significant, SG equals significantly greater and SL equals significantly lower. If a sample has any one of these codes, it will be considered an exceedance.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Duck Slough at Gurr Rd and Duck Slough at Hwy 99.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from August 2005 to September 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected under the Quality Assurance Project Plan For Monitoring By The East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 347462
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 2 samples collected by East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition for Duck Slough (Merced County) exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca for Survival.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing. An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is "Significant; Less Similarity," which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold. The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at monitoring site: 535XDSAGR ( Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-04-16 and 2019-09-10.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159513, Toxicity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 347475
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 17 samples collected by East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition for Duck Slough (Merced County) exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Selenastrum capricornutum for Total Cell Count, Hyalella azteca for Survival, Ceriodaphnia dubia for Survival.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing. An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is "Significant; Less Similarity," which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold. The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at monitoring site: 535XDSAGR ( Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-10-09 and 2021-09-22.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159518
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with action other than TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by action other than TMDL)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected Attainment Date: 2030
Implementation Action Other than TMDL: This listing is being addressed through the implementation of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs).Regulatory requirements are specified in WDRs for Growers within the Eastside San Joaquin River Watershed that are Members of the Third-Party Group (Order R5-2012-0116-R2) and in WDRs General Order for Discharges from Irrigated Lands within the Central Valley Region for Dischargers not Participating in a Third-party Group (Order R5-2013-0100).
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and 4.1of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Six of seven water samples, reported as total concentration, exceed the evaluation guideline. Additionally one of two water samples, reported as dissolved concentration, and one of one sediment samples exceed the guidelines for WARM.

The evidence indicates that pyrethroid concentrations in Duck Slough (Merced County) are not attaining the applicable water quality standards, but other pollution control requirements, under State authority, are stringent enough to implement applicable water quality standards. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates this water segment-pollutant combination is not meeting standards, but the impairment is being addressed by an enforceable regulatory program, other than a TMDL, that is reasonably expected to result in attainment of the water quality standards within a reasonable, specified time frame.

This listing is being addressed through the implementation of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP) Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs).

Regulatory requirements are specified in WDRs for Growers within the Eastside San Joaquin River Watershed that are Members of the Third-Party Group (Order R5-2012-0116-R2) and in WDRs General Order for Discharges from Irrigated Lands within the Central Valley Region for Dischargers not Participating in a Third-party Group (Order R5-2013-0100).

The WDRs include a time schedule, milestones and a monitoring and reporting program. The WDRs require growers to develop and implement water quality management plans iteratively to attain water quality objectives as soon as possible, but no later than ten years from the identification of water quality exceedances. A management plan for pyrethroids in this water body was developed in 2020 and is being implemented and monitoring is ongoing. Agricultural management practices being used to reduce offsite movement of pyrethroids into surface water include alternative irrigation practices, sediment and erosion practices, and pesticide application practices. Pyrethroid criteria are expected to be attained through continued implementation and improvement of management practices.

The water quality objective for pesticides states, in relevant part, that "discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses." Pesticides are not naturally occurring in the environment so any measured concentrations of pesticides are presumed to be the result of discharges.
 
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 159518, Bifenthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 195918
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin, 0.043 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 0.43 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159518, Bifenthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186703
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Bifenthrin. Although a total of 4 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Bifenthrin is 0.1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Bifenthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-05-08 to 2018-08-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159518, Bifenthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 330845
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 6 of the 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Bifenthrin. Although a total of 15 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for bifenthrin is 0.1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of bifenthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-04-16 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159518, Bifenthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 352981
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for bifenthrin is 0.1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of bifenthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2007-09-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159518, Bifenthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 352976
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin. Although a total of 18 samples were collected, 18 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for bifenthrin is 0.1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of bifenthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
159515
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: 2, 4 DB / 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159515, 2, 4 DB / 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331398
 
Pollutant: 2, 4 DB / 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm 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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dichlorophenoxybutyric Acid, 2,4-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for 2, 4 DB / 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 83 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-07 and 2019-03-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
171202
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.
 
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 171202, Alachlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63194
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of 6 individual whole water samples were collected; 0 of 6 samples exceeded the objective (2 ug/L).
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for alachlor is 2 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
118612
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant for Municipal and Domestic Supply (MUN) and Warm Freshwater Habitat (WARM). Zero of the thirty samples exceed the evaluation criteria for MUN and zero of the seventy-two samples exceed the evaluation criteria for WARM. LOE 63195 has been replaced by LOE 221717 and LOE 221564 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.

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 the thirty samples exceed the evaluation criteria for MUN and zero of the seventy-two samples exceed the evaluation criteria for WARM 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118612, Aldicarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186026
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldicarb.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for aldicarb incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 3 ug/L
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118612, Aldicarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 185952
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldicarb.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Aldicarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.46 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118612, Aldicarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221717
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldicarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Aldicarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.46 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118612, Aldicarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221564
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldicarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Aldicarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.46 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
164856
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164856, Aldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186057
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The established numeric criteria for aldrin to protect aquatic life in freshwater as an instantaneous maximum concentration is 3 ug/L . This established criteria was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164856, Aldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186159
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Aldrin. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Aldrin criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00013 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
167313
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 167313, Ammonia
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 330733
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-07 and 2019-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
118562
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant for the Warm Freshwater Habitat (WARM) and Municipal and Domestic Supply (MUN) beneficial uses. Zero of the fifty-six samples exceed the criteria for WARM and three of the fifty-six samples exceed the objective for MUN.

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 the fifty-six samples exceed the evaluation criteria for WARM and three of the fifty-six samples exceed the evaluation criteria for MUN 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118562, Arsenic
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63196
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 37 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-4/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118562, Arsenic
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186216
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for arsenic incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2016-08-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118562, Arsenic
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186415
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 150 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2016-08-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118562, Arsenic
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63197
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 37 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 0.150 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-4/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
171193
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

LOE 63210 has been replaced by LOE 221388 and LOE 221655 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221655
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221388
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186505
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63209
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for atrazine is 1 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63208
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of 6 individual whole water samples were collected; 0 of 6 samples exceeded the objective (1 ug/L).
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for atrazine is 0.001 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations ).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171193, Atrazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186398
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for atrazine incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.001 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118580
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the protection of freshwater aquatic life WARM.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the protection of freshwater aquatic life WARM and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118580, Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186427
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Azinphos Methyl. Although a total of 28 samples were collected, 28 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for azinphos methyl for freshwater aquatic life protection is 0.01 ug/l (instantaneous maximum)
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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118580, Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63211
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Azinphos methyl. Forty samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The National Recommended Water Quality criterion for Azinphos Methyl (Guthion) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is a maximum of 0.01 ug/l.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118564
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant for Agricultural Supply. Zero of the 52 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the guideline for Agricultural Supply.

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 the 52 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the guideline for Agricultural Supply 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118564, Boron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186548
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the limits presented in the Water Quality Goals tables, agricultural uses of water should not be limited. These criteria were used to translate narrative water quality objectives for chemical constituents that prohibit chemicals in concentrations that would impair agricultural uses of water. The criteria for boron is 700 ug/L (0.7 mg/L).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118564, Boron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 79590
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed ILRP data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 38 samples exceed the criterion for Boron.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the limits presented in the Water Quality Goals tables, agricultural uses of water should not be limited. These criteria were used to translate narrative water quality objectives for chemical constituents that prohibit chemicals in concentrations that would impair agricultural uses of water. The criteria for boron is 700 ug/L (0.7 mg/L).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
118565
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(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. Two LOEs are available for the WARM beneficial use and three LOEs are available for the MUN beneficial use. Zero of the 57 samples exceed the water quality objective for MUN, and zero of the 17 samples exceed the criteria for WARM.

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 the 57 samples exceed the water quality objective for MUN, and zero of the 17 samples exceed the criteria for WARM 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118565, Cadmium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63221
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed AgWaiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The cadmium criterion in freshwater is hardness-dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-4/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118565, Cadmium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186837
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for cadmium incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118565, Cadmium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186698
 
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for cadmium incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2011-08-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118565, Cadmium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63220
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 37 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for cadmium is 5 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-4/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118565, Cadmium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186699
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159506
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
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)(2020)
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.

Two line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 63 samples exceed the evaluation guideline.

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 the 63 samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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 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 159506, Carbaryl
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 330911
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended water quality criterion for freshwater aquatic life for carbaryl is 2.1 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: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-05-14 and 2019-05-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159506, Carbaryl
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187127
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life for carbaryl is 2.1 µg/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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159506, Carbaryl
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63222
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended water quality criterion for freshwater aquatic life for carbaryl is 2.1 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118567
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 77 samples exceed the objective for MUN. Zero of 77 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

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 the 77 samples exceed the objective for MUN. Zero of 77 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM. 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118567, Carbofuran
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63229
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 46
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 46 samples exceed the criterion for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Tulare Lake Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion maximum concentration for carbofuran is 0.5 µg/L (DFG 92-3, 1992).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Carbofuran to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-7/20/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118567, Carbofuran
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63230
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 46
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 46 samples exceed the criterion for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Carbofuran is 18 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-7/20/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118567, Carbofuran
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187138
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 31 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The interim water quality criterion for the protection of sensitive aquatic organisms from Carbofuran is 0.5 ug/l (DFG 92-3, 1992).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Carbofuran to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118567, Carbofuran
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186926
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 31 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Carbofuran incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.018 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164846
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164846, Chlordane
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186964
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Chlordane criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0043 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Guideline 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
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164846, Chlordane
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 186913
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Chlordane criterion for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00057 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159530
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Chloropicrin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159530, Chloropicrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187343
 
Pollutant: Chloropicrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chloropicrin. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Chloropicrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.5 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-06-12 to 2018-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159530, Chloropicrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 330951
 
Pollutant: Chloropicrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chloropicrin. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chloropicrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.5 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-06-11 and 2019-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159507
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
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 159507, Chlorothalonil
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 330983
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorothalonil.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorothalonil is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.6 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-03-08 and 2019-08-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159508
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(2020)
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.

LOE 187772, 187923, 187737, 187855, and 63231 have been replaced by LOE 346298 and 346300 due to a reassessment of data using The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346298
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for copper incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 1.0 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-11-08 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346300
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for copper incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 1.0 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331087
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for copper incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 1.0 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-06-11 and 2019-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331119
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm 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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-04-16 and 2019-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187901
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 31 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63232
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed AgWaiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The chromium criterion in freshwater is hardness-dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness-dependent formula for metals criteria.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-6/15/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159508, Copper
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187633
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm 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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118610
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Cyanazine
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant for Warm Freshwater Habitat. Zero of the 60 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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 the 60 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118610, Cyanazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63233
 
Pollutant: Cyanazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Cyanazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The EC50 for Navicula pelliculosa (freshwater diatom) for cyanazine is 4.8 ug/L (USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118610, Cyanazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187849
 
Pollutant: Cyanazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyanazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyanazine is the EC50 of 4.8 ug/L for Navicula pelliculosa (freshwater diatom) (USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159523
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.

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 159523, Cyfluthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 352986
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin. Although a total of 17 samples were collected, 17 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cyfluthrin is 0.2 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of cyfluthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cyfluthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159523, Cyfluthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 187768
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Cyfluthrin is 0.2 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Cyfluthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-03-05 to 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159523, Cyfluthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 196179
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin, total. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin, 0.11 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 1.1 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159523, Cyfluthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 352987
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cyfluthrin is 0.2 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of cyfluthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cyfluthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2007-09-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159523, Cyfluthrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331137
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyfluthrin. Although a total of 15 samples were collected, 14 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cyfluthrin is 0.2 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of cyfluthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cyfluthrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-02-06 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159524
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
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)(2020)
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 159524, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190837
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lambda-cyhalothrin. Although a total of 4 samples were collected, 4 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Lambda-cyhalothrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Lambda-cyhalothrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-03-05 to 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159524, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 196217
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Total lambda- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin, 0.044 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 0.44 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159524, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331679
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lambda-cyhalothrin. Although a total of 17 samples were collected, 16 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for lambda-cyhalothrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Lambda-cyhalothrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-02-06 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159524, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 214899
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda. Twenty-five samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Lambda-cyhalothrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Lambda-cyhalothrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
159519
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
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)(2024)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.

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 159519, Cypermethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353001
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin. Although a total of 17 samples were collected, 17 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cypermethrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Cypermethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cypermethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159519, Cypermethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188042
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cypermethrin. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Cypermethrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Cypermethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cypermethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2017-10-10 to 2018-08-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159519, Cypermethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331183
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin. Although a total of 15 samples were collected, 15 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cypermethrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Cypermethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cypermethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-10-09 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159519, Cypermethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353012
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for cypermethrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Cypermethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cypermethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2007-09-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159519, Cypermethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 291390
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin, Total. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin, 0.03 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 0.3 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159531
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Cyprodinil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159531, Cyprodinil
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331209
 
Pollutant: Cyprodinil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyprodinil.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyprodinil is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 8.2 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-02-06 and 2019-02-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
168427
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 168427, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188116
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDD(p,p'). Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDD(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 168427, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 78791
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The DDD method detection limit for all 32 samples collected from Duck Slough (Merced County) are greater than the criterion; therefore, the data could not be assessed with the accuracy required by the Listing Policy
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Nutrients for the City of Anderson, 2006-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Sacramento/San Joaquin River Basin Plan (CVRWQCB, 2007) Pesticides: Total identifiable persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides shall not be present in the water column at concentrations detectable within the accuracy of analytical methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Executive Officer.- California Toxics Rule Criteria (USEPA, 2000), for Inland Surface Waters based on drinking water and aquatic organism consumption. The criteria are based on human health protection for carcinogenicity at 1-in-a-million risk level (30-day average) with a limit of 0.00083 ug/L for DDD
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Thirty two water samples were collected from two monitoring sites on Duck Slough (Merced County) [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR; Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]. Each sample was analyzed for DDD(p,p').
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected at both monitoring sites approximately monthly between 2/12/2007 and 9/18/2007 and between 1/25/2008 and 9/30/2008
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
169089
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 169089, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 78872
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The DDE method detection limit for all 32 samples collected from Duck Slough (Merced County) are greater than the criterion; therefore, the data could not be assessed with the accuracy required by the Listing Policy
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Nutrients for the City of Anderson, 2006-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Sacramento/San Joaquin River Basin Plan (CVRWQCB, 2007) Pesticides: Total identifiable persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides shall not be present in the water column at concentrations detectable within the accuracy of analytical methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Executive Officer.- California Toxics Rule Criteria (USEPA, 2000), for Inland Surface Waters based on drinking water and aquatic organism consumption. The criteria are based on human health protection for carcinogenicity at 1-in-a-million risk level (30-day average) with a limit of 0.00059 ug/L for DDE
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Thirty two water samples were collected from two monitoring sites on Duck Slough (Merced County) [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR; Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]. Each sample was analyzed for DDE(p,p').
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected at both monitoring sites approximately monthly between 2/12/2007 and 9/18/2007 and between 1/25/2008 and 9/30/2008
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169089, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188036
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDE(p,p'). Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDE(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
169179
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 169179, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63250
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p). Thirty samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169179, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188296
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT(p,p'). Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT(p,p) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169179, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188298
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT(p,p'). Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 169179, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63243
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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 Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for DDT(p,p). Thirty samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion for total DDT to protect human health from consumption of water and organisms is 0.00059 ug/L (California Toxics Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118618
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
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 118618, Deltamethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 196482
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin, 0.079 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 0.79 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118621
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Demeton
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: 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.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118621, Demeton
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188554
 
Pollutant: Demeton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Demeton, Total.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA Recommended freshwater eaquatic life criteria for demeton is 0.1 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118572
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 69 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the WARM beneficial use.

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 the 69 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the WARM beneficial use 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118572, Diazinon
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63251
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 40 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic criterion value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118572, Diazinon
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188489
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 29 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L (4 day average)(Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2018-09-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118573
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
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 118573, Dichlorvos
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188828
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos. Although a total of 28 samples were collected, 28 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0058 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118574
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Dicofol
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the fifty-one samples exceed the evaluation guideline. LOE 63252 has been replaced by LOE 221479 and LOE 221503 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.

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 the fifty-one samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118574, Dicofol
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221479
 
Pollutant: Dicofol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dicofol.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dicofol is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 4.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118574, Dicofol
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221503
 
Pollutant: Dicofol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dicofol.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dicofol is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 4.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118574, Dicofol
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188695
 
Pollutant: Dicofol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dicofol.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dicofol is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 4.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164848
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 164848, Dieldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63254
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Dieldrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.056 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164848, Dieldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188897
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Dieldrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.056 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164848, Dieldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188899
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Dieldrin criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00014 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164848, Dieldrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63253
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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 Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin. Sixteen samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion for Dieldrin to protect human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00014 ug/L (California Toxics Rule).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
159520
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 79 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

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. Two of the 79 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM 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 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 159520, Dimethoate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221462
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159520, Dimethoate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189186
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159520, Dimethoate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221438
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2009-05-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159520, Dimethoate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331435
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-02-06 and 2019-02-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
118576
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
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.

Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of six samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of six samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 decision was completed by SWRCB staff.
 
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 118576, Disulfoton
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63263
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Disulfoton.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA National Recommended Water Quality criterion for disulfoton in freshwater (0.05 ug/L) is an aquatic life maximum (instantaneous) level.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118576, Disulfoton
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189111
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Disulfoton. Although a total of 28 samples were collected, 28 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for disulfoton is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.01 ug/L for chronic toxicity in invertebrates (7 day average).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
171194
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Diuron
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)(2020)
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.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant for Warm Freshwater Habitat. One of 62 samples, reported as a total concentration, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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. One of 62 samples, reported as a total concentration, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat 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 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 171194, Diuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353030
 
Pollutant: Diuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diuron.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of diuron does not exceed 1.3 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: III. Diuron. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:105-141.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171194, Diuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 188925
 
Pollutant: Diuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diuron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of diuron does not exceed 1.3 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: III. Diuron. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:105-141.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171194, Diuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353045
 
Pollutant: Diuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 16 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diuron.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of diuron does not exceed 1.3 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: III. Diuron. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:105-141.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
171205
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Dodine
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)(2020)
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.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.
 
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 171205, Dodine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353047
 
Pollutant: Dodine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dodine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for dodine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.08 ug/L for nonvascular plants.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-04-09 and 2018-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164849
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 164849, Endrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63272
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Endrin criterion for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.76 ug/L. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164849, Endrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63273
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Endrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.036 ug/L. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164849, Endrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189578
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Endrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.036 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164849, Endrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189500
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Endrin criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.76 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159526
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
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)(2020)
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.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Line of evidence #63275 was replaced by #214913.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 25 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

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 the 25 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM 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 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 159526, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189935
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Esfenvalerate is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Esfenvalerate were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Esfenvalerate
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-06-12 to 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159526, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 214913
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Esfenvalerate is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Esfenvalerate were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used. The evaluation guideline for fenvalerate, 0.113 ug/L, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50 = 1.13 ug/L) as determined in a 96 hour toxicity test using the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. (USEPA OPP Ecotoxicity database)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Esfenvalerate
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159526, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331519
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 14 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for esfenvalerate is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Esfenvalerate were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Esfenvalerate
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-07-09 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159525
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollution
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.

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 159525, Fenpropathrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353061
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm 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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0015 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-05-08 and 2018-09-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159525, Fenpropathrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331561
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0015 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-05-14 and 2020-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159525, Fenpropathrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 196446
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin, 0.1 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 1 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118627
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Flumioxazin
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 118627, Flumioxazin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189651
 
Pollutant: Flumioxazin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Flumioxazin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Flumioxazin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.49 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-11-07 and 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159509
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
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)(2020)
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.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331593
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for glyphosate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11900 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-06-11 and 2019-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63282
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of 6 individual whole water samples were collected; 0 of 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline (700 ug/L).
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Glyphosate is 700 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63283
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Glyphosate is 700 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190239
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Glyphosate incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.7 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190241
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Glyphosate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11900 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221749
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Glyphosate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11900 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221766
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Glyphosate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11900 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159509, Glyphosate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331607
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Glyphosate incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.7 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-06-11 and 2019-06-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
164850
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164850, Heptachlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190615
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Heptachlor criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0038 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164850, Heptachlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190509
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Heptachlor criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00021 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164851
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164851, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190520
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor Epoxide. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Heptachlor Epoxide criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0038 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164851, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190500
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor Epoxide. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Heptachlor Epoxide criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.0001 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164858
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), alpha
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164858, Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), alpha
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190080
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), alpha
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, alpha-. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The alpha-HCH (alpha-BHC) criteria for the protection of human health from consumption of water and organisms is 0.0039 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164857
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), beta
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164857, Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), beta
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190181
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), beta
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for HCH, beta-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The BHC, beta criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.014 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159516
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159516, Imidacloprid
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331658
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Imidacloprid. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-04-16 and 2019-05-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159516, Imidacloprid
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190696
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Imidacloprid. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L. (UC Davis Water Quality Criteria)
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2018-04-09 to 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118583
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(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.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 36 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply in the dissolved fraction and zero of the 23 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply in the total fraction. Zero of five samples exceed the Criteria for Warm Freshwater Habitat in the dissolved fraction and zero of five samples exceed Warm Freshwater Habitat in the unknown fraction.

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 the 36 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply in the dissolved fraction and zero of the 23 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply in the total fraction. Zero of five samples exceed the Criteria for Warm Freshwater Habitat in the dissolved fraction and zero of five samples exceed Warm Freshwater Habitat in the unknown fraction. 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63284
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed AgWaiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The chromium criterion in freshwater is hardness-dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness-dependent formula for metals criteria.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-4/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190805
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: At a minimum, water designated for use as MUN shall not contain lead in excess of 0.015 mg/l.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-09-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190654
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: At a minimum, water designated for use as MUN shall not contain lead in excess of 0.015 mg/l.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2018-03-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190653
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: At a minimum, water designated for use as MUN shall not contain lead in excess of 0.015 mg/l.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-09-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191050
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead. Although a total of 6 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAHN).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-04-19 to 2011-09-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118583, Lead
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190936
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: At a minimum, water designated for use as MUN shall not contain lead in excess of 0.015 mg/l.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-04-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164852
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164852, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190118
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for HCH, gamma-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The gamma-BHC (Lindane) criterion maximum concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.95 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164852, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190324
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for HCH, gamma-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The BHC, gamma(Lindane) criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.019 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118585
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Linuron
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.

LOE 63285 has been replaced by LOE 222069 and LOE 222006 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118585, Linuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222069
 
Pollutant: Linuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Linuron. Although a total of 21 samples were collected, 21 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Linuron is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.09 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2006-05-17 to 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118585, Linuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 190994
 
Pollutant: Linuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Linuron. Although a total of 30 samples were collected, 30 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Linuron is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.09 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118585, Linuron
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222006
 
Pollutant: Linuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Linuron. Although a total of 21 samples were collected, 21 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Linuron is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.09 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2006-05-17 to 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118607
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
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.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.

LOE 63293 has been replaced by LOEs 221845 and 222010 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118607, Methidathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222010
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2009-05-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118607, Methidathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221845
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118607, Methidathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191457
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118602
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
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.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.

LOE 63294 has been replaced by LOE 221951 and 221972 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118602, Methiocarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221951
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methiocarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methiocarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.75 ug/L for a invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118602, Methiocarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221972
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methiocarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methiocarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.75 ug/L for a invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118602, Methiocarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191357
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methiocarb.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methiocarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.75 ug/L for a invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118603
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 62 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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 the 62 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118603, Methomyl
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63295
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Methomyl.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Basin Plan states: "Where valid testing has developed 96-hour LC50 values for aquatic organisms..., the Board will consider one tenth of this value for the most sensitive species tested as the upper limit (daily maximum) for the protection of aquatic life... or [O]ther available information on the pesticide..." The criteria continuous concentration for Methomyl in the San Joaquin River system is 0.5 ug/L (4-day average). (CDFG, 1996)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118603, Methomyl
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191318
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methomyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Basin Plan states: \Where valid testing has developed 96-hour LC50 values for aquatic organisms..., the Board will consider one tenth of this value for the most sensitive species tested as the upper limit (daily maximum) for the protection of aquatic life... or [O]ther available information on the pesticide...\" The criteria continuous concentration for Methomyl in the San Joaquin River system is 0.5 ug/L (4-day average). "
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
118587
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 41 samples exceed the California Primary MCL for MUN, and 0 of 41 samples exceed the criteria for WARM.

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. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 41 samples exceed the California Primary MCL for MUN, and 0 of 41 samples exceed the criteria for WARM 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118587, Methoxychlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191447
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methoxychlor.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria toxicity threshold for methoxychlor for freshwater aquatic life protection is 0.03 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118587, Methoxychlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191533
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methoxychlor.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Methoxychlor incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.03 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118587, Methoxychlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63305
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Methoxychlor.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Total identifiable persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides shall not be present in the water column at concentrations detectable within the accuracy of analytical methods approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Executive Officer (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118587, Methoxychlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63304
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Methoxychlor.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Methoxychlor, 30 ug/L, is incorporated by reference into the (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118588
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero samples exceed the water quality objective (California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous aquatic life criterion) for MUN.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of zero samples exceed the water quality objective (California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous aquatic life criterion) for MUN and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118588, Methyl Parathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192949
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Parathion, Methyl. Although a total of 28 samples were collected, 28 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous aquatic life criterion for Methyl Parathion is 0.08 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Methyl Parathion to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Environmental Services Division. Administrative Report 92-1
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118588, Methyl Parathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63306
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, Methyl. Forty samples were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous aquatic life criterion for Methyl Parathion is 0.08 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Methyl Parathion to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Environmental Services Division. Administrative Report 92-1
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
171200
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.
 
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 171200, Metolachlor
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63308
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Metolachlor.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The National Ambient Water Quality criterion for Human Health and Welfare Protection of Public Health Effects (other than cancer effects) from Water & Fish Consumption for metolachlor is 44 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
171196
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Molinate
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.

LOE 63152 has been replaced by LOE 221848 and 221851 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.
 
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 171196, Molinate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63154
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 34 samples exceed the criterion for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Molinate is 20 ug/L .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171196, Molinate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63153
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Molinate is 20 ug/L .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171196, Molinate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221848
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife hazard assessment instantaneous criterion (1-hour average) for the protection of aquatic life for Molinate is 13 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Rice Herbicides Molinate and Thiobencarb to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System. Administrative Report 90-1. California Department of Fish and Game, Environmental Services Division
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171196, Molinate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 221851
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife hazard assessment instantaneous criterion (1-hour average) for the protection of aquatic life for Molinate is 13 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Rice Herbicides Molinate and Thiobencarb to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System. Administrative Report 90-1. California Department of Fish and Game, Environmental Services Division
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118589
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Molybdenum
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 118589, Molybdenum
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191860
 
Pollutant: Molybdenum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Molybdenum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water. These criteria were used to translate narrative water quality objectives for chemical constituents that prohibit chemicals in concentrations that would impair agricultural uses of water. A 10 ug/L criteria is the recommended maximum concentration of molybdenum in irrigation water.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164853
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 164853, Nickel
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63161
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 38 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164853, Nickel
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63162
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed AgWaiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The chromium criterion in freshwater is hardness-dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness-dependent formula for metals criteria.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164853, Nickel
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191737
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for nickel incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164853, Nickel
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191732
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164853, Nickel
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191717
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for nickel incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2011-11-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159510
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(2020)
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 80 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply.

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. One of the 80 samples exceed the objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply 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 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 159510, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63163
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-7/20/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159510, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331935
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 10 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Primary California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-10-09 and 2019-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159510, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192300
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 50
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 50 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 10 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2018-09-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159517
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
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)(2020)
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 159517, Oryzalin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63170
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Oryzalin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for Oryzalin is 35 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159517, Oryzalin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192464
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oryzalin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Oryzalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 13 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-11-07 and 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159517, Oryzalin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 331987
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oryzalin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for oryzalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 13 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-07 and 2018-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
118592
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two lines of evidence are available to assess for Municipal and Domestic Supply. One line of evidence is available to assess for Warm Freshwater Habitat. Zero of the 62 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Zero of the 30 samples, reported as a total concentration, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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 the 62 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Zero of the 30 samples, reported as a total concentration, exceed the guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat. 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118592, Oxamyl (Vydate)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192579
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxamyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for oxamyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 27 ug/L for chronic toxicity in invertebrates (7 day average).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118592, Oxamyl (Vydate)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 79593
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed ILRP data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Oxamyl.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Oxamyl incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins is 50 ug/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118592, Oxamyl (Vydate)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192493
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxamyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Oxamyl incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.05 mg/L
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159521
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.

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 159521, Oxyfluorfen
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332012
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-07 and 2018-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159521, Oxyfluorfen
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353139
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-11-07 and 2018-06-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159511
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of 237 samples exceed the criteria for Aquatic Life and seventeen of 106 samples exceed the criteria for Fish Spawning.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of 237 samples exceed the criteria for Aquatic Life and seventeen of 106 samples exceed the criteria for Fish Spawning. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 209027
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as WARM is 5.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332063
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 39
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 39 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as WARM is 5.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-01-10 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 208513
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 58 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as SPWN is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63171
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data to determine beneficial use support: Six of 82 sample results exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as WARM is 5.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence was collected at five monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd-535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 59-535XDSHFN, Duck Slough @ Whealan Rd-535XDSAWH, Duck Slough at El Nido Dam-545MRDEDM and Duck Slough @ Hwy 99-535XDSAHN].
Temporal Representation: Data was collected intermittently to monthly between 2/12/2007 and 7/20/2010. Three pairs of samples were collected within 7-day periods; the sample results for each pair were averaged. One triplet of samples was collected within 7-day period; the sample results were averaged.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22039
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Forty-nine samples were taken from Duck Slough between 2004 and 2006. None of the forty-nine samples fell below the Water Quality Objective for minimum dissolved oxygen content in surface water.
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Basin Plan the (WARM) Warm Freshwater Habitat criterion is a Minimum Dissolved Oxygen content of 5mg/L
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at Gurr Road, Highway 99 and Arboleda Drive in Merced County.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between July 2004 and September 2006. Samples were collected at bi-monthly and monthly intervals.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data quality: Good. Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 209028
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 58 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as WARM is 5.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 209026
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as SPWN is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159511, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332062
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 39
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 39 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration for waters designated as SPWN is 7.0 mg/L. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-01-10 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159527
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Line of evidence #63172 was replaced by #222088 and #222356.

Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159527, Paraquat
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192629
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Paraquat. Although a total of 11 samples were collected, 11 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Paraquat is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.396 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Paraquat dichloride.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2018-07-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159527, Paraquat
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222088
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Paraquat. Although a total of 21 samples were collected, 21 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Paraquat is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.396 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Paraquat dichloride.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2006-05-17 to 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159527, Paraquat
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222356
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Paraquat. Although a total of 21 samples were collected, 21 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Paraquat is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.396 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Paraquat dichloride.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2006-05-17 to 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159527, Paraquat
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332272
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Paraquat. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for paraquat is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.396 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Paraquat dichloride.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-08-13 and 2019-08-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159522
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159522, Pendimethalin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332319
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pendimethalin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for pendimethalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.2 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-02-06 and 2019-02-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
159528
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced.

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 159528, Permethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353159
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for permethrin is 1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Permethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Permethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2007-09-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159528, Permethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332357
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin. Although a total of 15 samples were collected, 15 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for permethrin is 1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Permethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Permethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-10-09 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159528, Permethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 196897
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin, 0.89 ug/g, is one-tenth of the median lethal concentration (LC50; 8.9 ug/g) and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159528, Permethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192807
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for Permethrin is 1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of Permethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Permethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2017-10-10 to 2018-09-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159528, Permethrin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353160
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin. Although a total of 17 samples were collected, 17 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic concentration goal for permethrin is 1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average). If the freely dissolved concentrations of Permethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Permethrin
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
118611
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Phorate
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.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.

LOE 63177 has been replaced by LOE 222371 and 222373 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118611, Phorate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 192978
 
Pollutant: Phorate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phorate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phorate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.21 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118611, Phorate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222373
 
Pollutant: Phorate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phorate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phorate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.21 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2009-05-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118611, Phorate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222371
 
Pollutant: Phorate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phorate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phorate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.21 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
171203
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
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)(2020)
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.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 171203, Phosmet
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353196
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.75 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171203, Phosmet
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353186
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.75 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2009-05-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171203, Phosmet
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353174
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.75 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159529
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Pyraclostrobin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159529, Pyraclostrobin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332543
 
Pollutant: Pyraclostrobin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pyraclostrobin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for pyraclostrobin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.5 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-03-08 and 2019-03-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
118594
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two lines of evidence are available to assess for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Two lines of evidence are available to assess for Warm Freshwater Habitat. Zero of the 44 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Zero of the 44 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the criterion for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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 the 44 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Zero of the 44 samples, reported as a total concentration or with the fraction not reported, exceed the criterion for Warm Freshwater Habitat. 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118594, Selenium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 193500
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118594, Selenium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 193334
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for selenium incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118594, Selenium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63181
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 118594, Selenium
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63180
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 30 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
171197
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Simazine
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)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

Zero samples exceeded the objectives, guidelines, or criteria for beneficial uses applicable to this water segment-pollutant combination, which is less than the minimum number of exceedances needed to place the water segment on the section CWA section 303(d) List for toxicants (Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy).

LOE 63186 has been replaced by LOE 222595 and LOE 222607 due to a reassessment of data using a U.S. EPA aquatic life benchmark.

The data used satisfies the data quality requirements (section 6.1.4) and data quantity requirements (section 6.1.5) of the Listing Policy.

Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. 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.
 
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 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 193679
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Primary Maximum Contaminant Level for Simazine incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 0.004 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222607
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222595
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63188
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Simazine is 4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63187
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for Simazine is 4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171197, Simazine
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 193775
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
165400
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
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.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.
 
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 165400, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346569
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 7 samples fall within the range, and 7 of 7 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-17 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165400, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346537
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 3 samples fall within the range, and 3 of 3 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 165400, Specific Conductivity
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332719
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for SpecificConductivity. Additionally, 0 of the 5 samples fall within the range, and 5 of 5 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for specific conductance of 900-1600 uS/cm assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-11-07 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
 
DECISION ID
122967
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. NUMBER lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Pursuant to section 6.1.5.9 of the Listing Policy, this assessment utilized the upper limit of the optimal temperature range for rainbow trout for growth and completion of most life stages to interpret the narrative water quality objective for temperature. 49 of 89 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for COLD. 26 of 63 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fish Migration and Fish Spawning.

However, the available data are insufficient to satisfy the Listing Policy requirements for spatial and temporal representation (sections 6.1.5.2 and 6.1.5.3). The surface water grab samples collected did not provide sufficient temporal and spatial representation to determine if temperature conditions experienced by aquatic life were within the optimal temperature range throughout the entire water column or the length of time temperature conditions may have exceeded the optimal temperature range.

Available information for this waterbody-pollutant combination is insufficient to determine whether the aquatic beneficial use is supported. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available for this Integrated Report cycle indicating that standards are not met.

However, the exceedances of the evaluation guideline indicate that beneficial uses may be threatened. This decision will be reevaluated in the next Integrated Report cycle as more data and information become available. Additional data and information may include information demonstrating that sample location(s) are representative of conditions throughout the waterbody, data from additional sampling locations, continuous monitoring data collected in the waterbody, waterbody-specific information on sensitive resident species, their life stage time frames, and the appropriate temperature thresholds necessary to support each life stage.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 230161
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 230343
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 24
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 24 of 54 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 230137
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Migration
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 24
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 24 of 54 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 230198
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Migration
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin Plans.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63189
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 45
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 45 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Juoaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California (1976)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Whealan Rd - 535XDSAWH, Duck Slough @ Hwy 59 - 535XDSHFN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-7/20/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 122967, Temperature, water
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63198
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Sacramento-San Juoaquin River Basin Plans).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California (1976)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
128756
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. One of the forty-five samples exceed the evaluation guideline.

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. One of the forty-five samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128756, Thiobencarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222582
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thiobencarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128756, Thiobencarb
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 222541
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thiobencarb.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
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 for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-05-17 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
166475
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reassessed according to a new assessment method. 

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 166475, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346746
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the upper limit of the range for Total Dissolved Solids. Additionally, 0 of the 4 samples fall within the range, and 4 of 4 samples fall below the threshold.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins specifies a range for total dissolved solids of 500-1000 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-17 and 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164855
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164855, Toxaphene
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 194075
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Toxaphene. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Toxaphene criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.00073 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164855, Toxaphene
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 193809
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Toxaphene. Although a total of 9 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Toxaphene criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0002 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 (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
171198
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 28 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of 28 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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 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 171198, Trifluralin
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353291
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2015-08-11
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
166476
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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)(2020)
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 166476, Zinc
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63214
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed AgWaiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The chromium criterion in freshwater is hardness-dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness-dependent formula for metals criteria.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2008-5/19/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 166476, Zinc
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 346776
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for zinc incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins is 5.0 mg/L assessed as an annual average.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-11-08 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 166476, Zinc
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 194196
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164847
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164847, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189035
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan I.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The alpha-endosulfan criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 110 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164847, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189465
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan I.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The endosulfan I criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.028 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
164854
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
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)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed.

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 164854, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189547
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The beta-endosulfan criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 110 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 164854, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 189317
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The endosulfan II criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.028 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 (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-18 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159512
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2020)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Six of the 84 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for MUN. Eight of the 63 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for REC-1 and REC-2. Two of the 46 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for WARM.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Six of the 84 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for MUN. Eight of the 63 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for REC-1 and REC-2. Two of the 46 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE for WARM. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 79594
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 84
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed ILRP data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 84 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Whealan Rd - 535XDSAWH, Duck Slough @ Hwy 59 - 535XDSHFN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-7/20/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 78537
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed ILRP data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: none
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 228658
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332440
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 39
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 39 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-01-10 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 228577
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 54 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 228588
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAHN)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2012-02-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159512, pH
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 228659
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 54 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin: pH should not be lower than 6.5 or higher than 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-14 and 2016-10-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
171195
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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)(2020)
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Previously considered water quality data was reevaluated according to new guidelines as part of this assessment. Lines of evidence have been replaced. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

The water quality objective for pesticides states, in relevant part, that "discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses." Pesticides are not naturally occurring in the environment, so any measured concentrations of pesticides are presumed to be the result of discharges.

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. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM 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: 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 171195, Malathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353108
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Malathion. Although a total of 17 samples were collected, 17 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAHN (Duck Slough @ Hwy 99).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2008-09-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171195, Malathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 353112
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed ILRP_ESJWQC data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Malathion. Although a total of 23 samples were collected, 23 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2007-02-12 and 2009-05-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 171195, Malathion
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 191098
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Malathion. Although a total of 34 samples were collected, 32 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (535XDSAGR).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-18 to 2018-03-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
159514
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
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)(2020)
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

LOEs for this waterbody-pollutant combination from previous cycles were reviewed, determined to be inaccurate, and removed. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Five of the 7 water samples, reported as total concentration, exceed the guideline for WARM. Additionally, 1 of 1 sediment sample exceed the evaluation guideline for WARM.

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. Five of the 7 water samples, reported as total concentration, exceed the guideline for WARM 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.

The water quality objective for pesticides states, in relevant part, that "discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses." Pesticides are not naturally occurring in the environment so any measured concentrations of pesticides are presumed to be the result of discharges.
 
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 159514, Pyrethroids
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332575
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pyrethroids.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The summed ratios of the pyrethroid pesticides bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and their respective chronic concentration goals are not to exceed 1. If the freely dissolved concentrations of these pesticides were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-07-09 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159514, Pyrethroids
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 332584
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids. Although a total of 19 samples were collected, 19 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ from the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program for the 2026 Integrated Report in Region 5
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins; Fifth Edition. Revised May 2018 (with approved amendments)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The summed ratios of the pyrethroid pesticides bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and their respective chronic concentration goals are not to exceed 1. If the freely dissolved concentrations of these pesticides were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment. In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 535XDSAGR (Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-10-09 and 2021-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 159514, Pyrethroids
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 197035
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 5.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basins)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from pyrethroids is one toxic unit. Individual pyrethroid concentrations in sediment were normalized to organic carbon content, divided by the respective 1/10 LC50 and then summed. A sum over over one toxic unit is an exceedance of the evaluation guideline (Amweg et al. 2006).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
Guideline Reference: Pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban creeks from California and Tennessee. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(5): 1700-1706
Guideline Reference: Compilation of freshwater OC-normalized sediment toxicity data for pyrethroids
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 535XDSAGR.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-10 to 2013-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Michael L. Johnson LLC. 2015. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
93301
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as N, 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: 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, one 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 52 water sample results exceed calculated acute, 1-hour-average total ammonia criterion for warm freshwater where salmonid fish are present.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 52 water sample results exceed calculated acute, 1-hour-average total ammonia criterion for warm freshwater where salmonid fish are present, and this sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.1 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 this water body and pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 93301, Ammonia as N, Total
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 78966
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as N, Total
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fifty-two water samples were collected from Duck Slough (Merced County) results and none of the samples had ammonia levels above the calculated CMC value.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data:
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. This objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 2006): The 1-hour average concentration (acute criterion or CMC) of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) for freshwater where salmonid fish are present, which is not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average, is calculated using the following equation: CMC=0.275/(1+10^(7.204 - pH)) + 39.0/(1+10^(pH - 7.204)).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at two monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR and Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSHFN].
Temporal Representation: Ammonia, pH and temperature data was collected intermittently between 2/12/2007 and 7/20/2010
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected under the QAPP for the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
87772
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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 Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. Zero of the thirty-two 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 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 the thirty-two samples exceed the water quality 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87772, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63164
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for nitrate (NO3 as N) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR, Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
92945
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
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 Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 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. Zero of 32 samples exceed the California Primary MCL for MUN.

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 32 samples exceed the California Primary MCL for MUN 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92945, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63165
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 32 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in East San Joaquin, 2004-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California primary maximum contaminant level for nitrite (as N) is 1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [Duck Slough @ Hwy 99 - 535XDSAHN, Duck Slough @ Gurr Rd - 535XDSAGR]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/12/2007-9/30/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan by the East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, Revision 1.0.
 
 
DECISION ID
92946
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: Norflurazon
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 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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of six samples exceed the evaluation guideline for MUN.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of six samples exceed the evaluation guideline for MUN and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92946, Norflurazon
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 63166
 
Pollutant: Norflurazon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Ag Waiver data for Duck Slough (Merced County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Norflurazon.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Merced Irrigation District, 2005-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for norflurazon is 280 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Duck Slough (Merced County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [Duck Slough at El Nido Dam - 545MRDEDM]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/1/2007-9/16/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data for this line of evidence was collected as part of the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
75584
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
Pollutant: pH (high)
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: The decision has not changed. Region 5 data was not included in the 2012 Integrated Report so all decisions are carried over from the 2010 listing cycle.

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

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective for WARM.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of 49 samples had pH values higher than the pH 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: The decision has not changed. Region 5 data was not included in the 2012 Integrated Report so all decisions are carried over from the 2010 listing cycle.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75584, pH (high)
Region 5     
Duck Slough (Merced County)
 
LOE ID: 22040
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 49
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The East San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition collected 49 samples from July 2004 to September 2006. Three of the 49 samples did not meet the evaluation objective and had a pH higher than 8.5.
Data Reference: Revised Draft of the 2007 Review of the Monitoring Data for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Conditional Waiver Program
  Monitoring and Reporting Program, Order Nos. R5-2003-0826, R5-2005-0833, and R5-2008-0005 for Coalition Groups Under Resolution No. R5-2003-0105, Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges From Irrigated Lands Within the Central Valley Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH of water shall not be depressed below 6.5,raised above 8.5, or changed at any time more than 0.5 units from normal ambient pH. Measurement of pH within the range of 6.5 and 8.5. A high pH value is greater than 8.5
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Duck Slough at three locations: Gurr Road, Highway 99, and Arboleda Drive.
Temporal Representation: Sampling occurred from July 2004 to September 2006
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data quality: Good. Monitoring was conducted in accordance with Central Valley Water Board Monitoring and Reporting Program (order number R5-2003-0826) requirements (CVRWQCB, 2003)
QAPP Information Reference(s):