Draft California 2020 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Salmon Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3080006420020124131949
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	107860	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Aluminum
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 107860, Aluminum	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

157293

Pollutant:

Aluminum

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

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. (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The 4-day average for fish and water consumption is 0.087 mg/L (USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria).

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	129276	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Ammonia
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 (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. The following is a summary of the sample and exceedances for each beneficial use: Based on LOEs summarizing un-ionized ammonia data, zero of the 11 samples exceed the water quality objective (Basin Plan) set to protect aquatic life. Although an additional ten samples were collected, all ten 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. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported. Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the five samples exceed the EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria set to protect aquatic life. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported. Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the 23 samples exceed the EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level set to protect municipal and domestic supply uses. 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 samples exceed the water quality objectives 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 129276, Ammonia	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51260

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."

Guideline Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129276, Ammonia	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51313

Pollutant:

Ammonia (Unionized)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129276, Ammonia	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

219530

Pollutant:

Ammonia (Unionized)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 10 samples were collected, 10 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, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM).

Temporal Representation:

Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-01-14 to 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129276, Ammonia	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

184185

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2012 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as 'the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for a lifetime of exposure.'

Guideline Reference:

2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129276, Ammonia	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

183652

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

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 (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-11 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107848	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Arsenic
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 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by 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 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply 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. 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 107848, Arsenic	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

158600

Pollutant:

Arsenic

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Arsenic is 10 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	131853	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Benthic Community Effects
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:	Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects. One line of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Zero of one benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. These data indicate that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment 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 one benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time. 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 131853, Benthic Community Effects	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

232723

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for 308SAM to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.877294234 to 0.877294234.

Data Reference:

California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report for Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rehn, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.

Guideline Reference:

Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected from station 308SAM.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 6/23/2010 to 6/23/2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107849	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Cadmium
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 107849, Cadmium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

160320

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

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 (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107849, Cadmium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

160343

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for cadmium is 0.005 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107849, Cadmium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

160319

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater 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:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107859	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Chromium
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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply 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. 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 107859, Chromium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

162085

Pollutant:

Chromium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for total chromium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107850	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Copper
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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply 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. 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 107850, Copper	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

162876

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107850, Copper	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

162999

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Copper criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 1.300 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107850, Copper	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

162828

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	125702	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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:	The State Water Board’s Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the ISWEBE Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies. Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the E. coli objective. In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. E. coli populations may fluctuate substantially on a daily, seasonal, or yearly basis. Lacking constant inputs, indicator bacteria do not persist in the environment for a long period and effects are of relatively short duration. As a result, the historic levels of E. coli in the waterbody may be a poor indicator of current risks to human health, particularly when more recent data are available to sufficiently assess the water quality standard. Additionally, water quality conditions in waterbodies may change as a result of management actions that have been implemented to address E. coli. Unrepresentative data may result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List, which could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a human health problem. Historic lines of evidence for data collected prior to 2010 were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy. All samples are evaluated using the statistical threshold value (STV) water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). The water quality objective states that the STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month. Where there are more than one samples collected within any six-week period, a geomean of those samples is calculated and evaluated using the geomean water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). Although two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. Zero of the 11 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE 150152) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected in the calendar year 2015. This sample count of data collected since 2010 is insufficient to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. Note, there is one line of evidence summarizing historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). One of the 12 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (LOE 51276). These data are not used for making this decision or used in the final use support ratings. 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. 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 out of the 11 samples exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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:	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:	Although two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. Zero of the 11 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE 150152) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected in the calendar year 2015. This sample count of data collected since 2010 is insufficient to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. Note, there is one line of evidence summarizing historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). One of the 12 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (LOE 51276). These data are not used for making this decision or used in the final use support ratings. 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. 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 out of the 11 samples exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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.

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 125702, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51276

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Evaluation Guideline:

Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15 of the USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986).

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125702, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

150152

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 11 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, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (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): 308SAM

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the days of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01 .

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	130231	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. The State Water Boards Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the ISWEBE Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use which were adopted on August 7, 2018: where the salinity level of a waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies; and where the salinity level of a waterbody is greater than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the Enterococci bacteria objective applies. These objectives supersede the fecal coliform water quality objective for water contact recreation uses. Therefore, the fecal coliform objective for water contact recreation is not applicable to this waterbody and those LOEs have been removed from this decision. However, two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant and the non-contact recreation use. One of the 23 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. 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. One of the 23 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation, 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:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the CWA 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 130231, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51278

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130231, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

150406

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated for a 30-Day peroid.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section 3.3.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 mL, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 mL.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 308SAM

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the days of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01 .

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107851	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Lead
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 sections 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one 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 2 dissolved lead water samples exceed the water quality objective aquatic life beneficial uses. One of the 2 total lead samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Municipal and Domestic Supply. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. 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 2 dissolved lead water samples exceed the water quality objective aquatic life beneficial uses. One of the 2 total lead samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Municipal and 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. 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 107851, Lead	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

168276

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107851, Lead	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

167621

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Public Health Goal for lead in sources of drinking water is 0.0002 mg/L. (OEHHA 2009)

Guideline Reference:

Public Health Goal for Lead in Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107851, Lead	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

168013

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	130756	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Mercury
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 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. Three LOEs summarize water samples: - Zero of two water samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016), set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. - Zero of two water samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use. - Zero of two water samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. 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. 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. No water samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130756, Mercury	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

169354

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents known to be deleterious to fish or wildlife (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.77 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130756, Mercury	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

169483

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The mercury criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms for mercury is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130756, Mercury	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

169408

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107852	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Nickel
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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, zero of two samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the municipal and domestic supply 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. 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 107852, Nickel	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

171360

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107852, Nickel	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

171243

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The maximum contaminant level of nickel in public water systems shall be 0.1 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107852, Nickel	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

171192

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107852, Nickel	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

171338

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	128104	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	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)(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. Lines of evidence for the pollutant name Nitrate and for the pollutant name Nitrogen, Nitrate are combined (same pollutant). Where the fraction is none or not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction is identical to that reported for pollutants of the same name, based on the analytical method. In these cases, sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision. Zero of the 23 nitrate samples and zero of the 12 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the water quality objective for the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use and the evaluation guideline (Central Coast Region Technical Report, 2010) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for biostimulatory substances, set to protect Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses. 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 does not the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of the 12 samples exceed the water quality objectives and this does not excee 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 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

172239

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51245

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.

Guideline Reference:

Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111

Guideline Reference:

Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51315

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51263

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51262

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128104, Nitrate	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

172191

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107853	Region 3
Salmon Creek

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)(2018)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for cold freshwater habitat (Basin Plan) and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (Basin Plan). Zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for estuarine habitat (Basin Plan). Note that there is no difference between samples fractions ‘dissolved’ and ‘total,’ therefore sample and exceedance counts will be summed for the purpose of this decision. Previous decisions (pre-2020) included dissolved oxygen saturation LOEs as ancillary evidence. This decision will no longer include dissolved oxygen saturation and these LOEs will be retired next cycle. 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. 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. 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. No samples exceed the objective for cold freshwater habitat, fish spawning, or estuarine habitat. 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. 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 107853, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

175426

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107853, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

175800

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107853, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51246

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107853, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

175607

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107855	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Selenium
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 107855, Selenium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

181407

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107855, Selenium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

181491

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Maximum Contaminant Level for selenium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).

Guideline Reference:

California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107855, Selenium	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

181193

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life from dissolved selenium in saline water is 0.071 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107856	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Silver
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 107856, Silver	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

181606

Pollutant:

Silver

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum 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:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107856, Silver	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

181415

Pollutant:

Silver

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater 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:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-02 and 2015-11-03

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	126132	Region 3
Salmon Creek

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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 23 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. 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. 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 23 samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use 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:	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 126132, Temperature, water	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

216853

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126132, Temperature, water	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51259

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).

Guideline Reference:

Inland Fishes of California

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)


DECISION ID	107857	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, zero of 23 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) used to interpret the water quality objectives for the aquatic life beneficial uses. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. 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. 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 23 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat 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:	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 107857, Turbidity	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

182182

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107857, Turbidity	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51249

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).

Guideline Reference:

Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)


DECISION ID	107858	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Zinc
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 Clean Water Act (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. A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine 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. 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 107858, Zinc	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

156355

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107858, Zinc	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

156610

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	107854	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	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. Eight lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Ten of the 22 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. Three of the 22 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. 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. Ten of the 22 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 3 of the 22 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat 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:	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 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

179440

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 10 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

180069

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

179855

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51248

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51277

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51264

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51279

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107854, pH	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

179742

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Salmon Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 10 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.

Data Reference:

Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (308SAM)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-14 and 2015-12-01

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP 2008

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program


DECISION ID	84148	Region 3
Salmon Creek

Pollutant:	Chlorophyll-a
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 3.2 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. Zero of the 12 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulation risk and aquatic life beneficial uses. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'. 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 the 12 samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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:	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 84148, Chlorophyll-a	Region 3
Salmon Creek

LOE ID:

51314

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.

Evaluation Guideline:

North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Guideline Reference:

Water quality standards table

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Salmon Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 308SAM - Salmon Creek at Highway 1]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/13/2009-12/9/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)