Draft 2008 California 303(d)/305(b) Integrated Report

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Secret Creek
Water Body ID: CAR6374009020080811104531
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
13928
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3. Two of two samples exceeded the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13928
 
LOE ID: 25908
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Dissolved oxygen saturation values in two samples were 61.2 and 55 percent.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The regionwide narrative objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "The dissolved oxygen concentration, as percent saturation, shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent, nor shall the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration be less than 80 percent of saturation."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13930
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
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
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the samples exceeds the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3. One of 3 samples exceeded the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13930
 
LOE ID: 25919
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Fecal coliform counts in three samples ranged form 5 to 93 colonies per 100 mL. One sample exceeded the objective. (Because the objective requires a minimum of five samples in a 30-day period, log means were not calculated.)
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states:

"Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 25920
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Fecal coliform counts in three samples ranged form 5 to 93 colonies per 100 mL. One sample exceeded the objective. (Because the objective requires a minimum of five samples in a 30-day period, log means were not calculated.)
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for coliform bacteria states:

"Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock waste.

The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected a evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13933
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the California Maximum Contaminant Level. No biological data are available to assess compliance with the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances..

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 3 samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the other applicable water quality objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13933
 
LOE ID: 25915
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Concentrations of NO3-N in three samples ranged from 0.26 to 0.28 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrate is 45 mg/L expressed "as nitrate," equivalent to 10 mg/L expressed "as N."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 25911
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Concentrations of NO3-N in three samples ranged from 0.26 to 0.28 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site specific objectives for this water body. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

"Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13929
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3. Two of three samples exceeded the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13929
 
LOE ID: 25907
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Three samples had dissolved oxygen concentrations of 6.23, 5.26 and 9.3 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6) is a 1-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13934
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
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
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the applicable water quality objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13934
 
LOE ID: 25914
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Concentrations of PO4-P in three samples ranged from 0.46 to 0.78 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include site specific objectives for this water body. The regionwide narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states:

“Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.”
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13931
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
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
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3. None of three samples exceeded the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13931
 
LOE ID: 25905
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Three specific conductance measurements ranged from 176 to 303 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13935
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective is antidegradation-based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (All samples were collected within a single month.)
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The three available samples are insufficient to determine compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13935
 
LOE ID: 25909
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Water temperatures in twosamples were 14.88 and 15.9 degrees Celsius.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The relevant sections of the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective are as follows: "The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction fo the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13932
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the California Maximum Contaminant Level. The narrative water quality objective for turbidity is antidegradation-based and the samples are insufficient to assess compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 or Table 3.2 of the Policy.
3. None of 3 samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The data are insufficient to assess compliance with the other applicable water quality objective under section 3.10 of the policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13932
 
LOE ID: 25916
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Three turbidity measurements ranged from 1.55 to 3.3 NTU.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide turbidity objective states: "Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10 percent."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 25918
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Three turbidity measurements ranged from 1.55 to 3.3 NTU. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Consituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13936
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The Lahontan Basin Plan's pH objective is antidegradation-based and the available data are insufficient to document baseline and trend conditions as required by section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The three available samples are insufficient to determine compliance with the objective under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13936
 
LOE ID: 25906
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Bureau of Land Management sampled Secret Creek in August and September 2002. Three pH measurements ranged from 5.83 to 7.1 units.
Data Reference: Water quality data for surface waters on U.S Bureau of Land Management lands in Lassen and Modoc Counties.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for pH states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Two stations, SE-2 (Secret Creek above Highway 395) and SE-2Alt Secret Creek at Highway 395), were sampled.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected at SE-2 on August 6 and August 26, 2002, and at SE2-Alt on September 3, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Secret Creek is located in the Snowstorm Mountain Hydrologic Area (HU No. 637.40) in Lassen County. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, it is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use. No site-specific water quality objectives have been established for the waters of this watershed.
QAPP Information: No quality assurance information was submitted with the data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):