San Diego Region - Bacteria Impaired Waters TMDL for San Diego Bay and Dana Point Harbor Shorelines

Introduction

On June 11, 2008, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, San Diego Region adopted a Basin Plan amendment to incorporate the TMDLs developed for Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor and Shelter Island Shoreline Park in San Diego Bay. The TMDL Basin Plan amendment was subsequently approved by the State Water Resources Control Board on June 16, 2009, and the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on September 15, 2009. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) granted final approval on October 26. 2009. Based on the approval date from the OAL, the effective date for these TMDLs is September 15, 2009. This action meets requirements of section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act. The Basin Plan amendment process is authorized under section 13240 of the Water Code. The Basin Plan amendment is a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the San Diego Water Board is the lead agency.

Revisions to Bacteria TMDLs in the San Diego Region

As part of the 2024/2025 Basin Plan Triennial Review, the San Diego Water Board has identified a project to update the region’s bacteria Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).

Additional information on this project can be found at: Water Recreation (REC-1) Water Quality Objectives

Why Bacteria in Water Matters

Fecal bacteria originate from the intestinal flora of warm-blooded animals. The presence of fecal indicator bacteria in the ocean and creeks can indicate the existence of human pathogens, which may pose health risks to individuals who come into contact with the water.  Most strains of fecal indicator bacteria do not cause illness (i.e., they are not pathogens); rather, they indicate the presence of fecal contamination. However, pathogens often co-occur with indicators of fecal contamination. Fecal indicator bacteria have been historically used as indicators of human pathogens because these bacteria are easier and less costly to measure than the pathogens themselves. .

Background

In 2004, this TMDL project included six bacteria impaired shorelines in Dana Point Harbor and San Diego Bay: Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor and Shelter Island Shoreline Park, B Street Pier, G Street Pier, Tidelands Park, and Chula Vista Marina in San Diego Bay. In 2007, only Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor and Shelter Island Shoreline Park in San Diego Bay were confirmed as still impaired by indicator bacteria. Therefore, TMDLs were only developed and adopted for these two shoreline segments.

Public Documents

Documents associated with the adoption of this TMDL are available for review at the San Diego Water Board Office. To request a file review please contact the Regional Board receptionist at (619) 516-1990, or email rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov. Please include the project ID # 650441 with your request.

Documents available for public review include, but are not limited to:

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Contacts

  • For general inquiries and complaints:
    Email: RB9-TMDL@waterboards.ca.gov
    Office Phone: (619) 516-1990
    POC: Michelle Santillan, Water Resource Control Engineer