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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: San Bernardo Creek
Water Body ID: CAR3102201220020124134314
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
131017
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

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. Consequently, the fecal coliform objective for water contact recreation is no longer applicable to this waterbody and those LOEs have been removed from this decision. Therefore, this waterbody is being removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

However, one line of evidence (LOE) is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant and the non-contact recreation use. Therefore, 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 single sample did 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'.

After review of the available data and information for the non-contact recreation beneficial use, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

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 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 be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

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 131017, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17382
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/17/2003. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
125847
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
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. This waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy.

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 three 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. Twelve of the 35 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE149938) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected between 2010 and 2017 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine the beneficial use is not supported in accordance with the Listing Policy.
Note, there are two lines of evidence summarizing historic E. coli data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPAs Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). A total of 30 of the 57 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (see LOEs 47784 and 18501). These data are not used for making this decision nor are they 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 removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twelve of the 35 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: Although three 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. Twelve of the 35 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE149938) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected between 2010 and 2017 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine the beneficial use is not supported in accordance with the Listing Policy.
Note, there are two lines of evidence summarizing historic E. coli data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPAs Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). A total of 30 of the 57 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (see LOEs 47784 and 18501). These data are not used for making this decision nor are they 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 removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twelve of the 35 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
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 125847, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47784
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 55
Number of Exceedances: 28
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 28 of 55 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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 San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/4/2003 3:15:00 PM-2/8/2010 10:41:00 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125847, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18501
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
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)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2004-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125847, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 149938
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 35
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 12 of the 35 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, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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): 310SBE
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-04-12 and 2017-09-05 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
 
DECISION ID
131927
Region 3     
San Bernardo 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.

Two line(s) of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is/are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Two of six benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. However, a minimum of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples are needed to assess listing status and sufficient evidence that aquatic life beneficial uses are not being supported.

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. Two of six benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. The available information is insufficient to determine whether the waterbody/pollutant combination should 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. 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 131927, Benthic Community Effects
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 232606
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 310MNO to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of 6 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.612752 to 1.020105.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report for Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Region 3 Basin Plan.
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 310MNO.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 5/23/2011 to 4/22/2016.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program protocols.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
 
DECISION ID
128112
Region 3     
San Bernardo 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.

Eleven 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.

The Agricultural Supply and Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial uses are fully supported. Zero of the 88 nitrate samples exceed this water quality objective.

There is insufficient information available to make a use support determination for Aquatic Life beneficial uses. Although eight of the 85 samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulatory substances (Central Coast Region Technical Report, 2010), there is no supporting data, such as dissolved oxygen or chlorophyll a measurements, to support the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory effect in this waterbody. Therefore, the weight of evidence approach cannot be applied in accordance with section 3.11 of the Listing Policy and the use rating is set to insufficient information.


The Central Coast Region requires supporting evidence of eutrophication to support a nitrate listing at 1.0 mg/L for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat. The following is a summary of the supporting evidence:

1) Dissolved oxygen for this water body ranged from 7.3 mg/L to 13.8 mg/L, once exceeding the upper dissolved oxygen screening level of 13.0 mg/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010).
2) Using site-specific data from this waterbody, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) does not predict benthic chlorophyll a, algal biomass, or benthic algal contribution to oxygen deficit in ranges that are indicative of eutrophication (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010).

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 88 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Agricultural Supply and Municipal and Domestic Supply. Although eight of the 85 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objectives for Cold Freshwater Habitat there is insufficient evidence of eutrophication to support a nitrate listing using the evaluation guideline for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitats.
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 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 173422
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
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 (310SBC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-20 and 2018-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 172978
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-22 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 173020
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 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 (310SBC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-20 and 2018-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 173061
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-22 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47787
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 80
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 80 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47786
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 80
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 80 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
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 San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18188
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47785
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 80
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 80 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Nitrate data was collected using a screening level test kit. Quality control is consistent with the QAPP.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 172834
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
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: 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-22 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 172958
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
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: 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310SBC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-20 and 2018-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128112, Nitrate
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18189
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
109107
Region 3     
San Bernardo 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.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

One of 132 samples exceed the water quality objective for cold freshwater habitat (Basin Plan) and one of 52 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (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 data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported.

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 132 samples exceed the objective for cold freshwater habitat and one of 52 of two samples exceed the objective for fish spawning. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18237
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47788
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 77 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/19/2002 11:15:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 175665
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 46
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 46 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-08 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 175740
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 174847
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 46
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 46 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-08 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109107, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 175824
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
 
DECISION ID
126393
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 four 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, a total of zero of 129 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply. Note that the pollutant name for the older LOEs is electrical conductivity. This was an error and the pollutant name should have always been specific conductivity. For this reason, all four of the LOEs are combined into this assessment for specific conductivity.

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 129 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply 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 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 126393, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 182632
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126393, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47783
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 81
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 81 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3000 uS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126393, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 182607
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 39
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 39 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-08 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126393, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17426
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
126156
Region 3     
San Bernardo 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 four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 132 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat 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.

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 132 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 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 126156, Temperature, water
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 216702
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 44
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 44 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-08 and 2018-03-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126156, Temperature, water
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18820
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126156, Temperature, water
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47797
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 79
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 79 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (Basin Plan).
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: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/19/2002 11:15:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126156, Temperature, water
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 216864
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
 
DECISION ID
109109
Region 3     
San Bernardo 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 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 four 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, a total of three of 131 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 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.

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 three of 131 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 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 109109, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18742
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
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 San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109109, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 182951
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 40 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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: 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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-08 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109109, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 182117
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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: 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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109109, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47796
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: 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: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
 
DECISION ID
109108
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act section 303(d) List under sections 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twenty lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Thirty-four of the 128 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. Twenty-two of the 128 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and Agriculture Supply.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to the problem.

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. Thirty-four of the 128 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 22 of the 128 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and Agriculture Supply and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47793
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 19004
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 177999
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 31
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 31 of 37 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-12-29 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47795
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47794
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 178538
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 178941
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 178825
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 177762
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 179138
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 17
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 37 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-12-29 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 177998
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 31
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 31 of 37 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-12-29 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 179139
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310MNO)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-23 and 2016-04-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 177763
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 31
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 31 of 37 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-12-29 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 178848
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 37
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Morro Bay NEP Monitoring Program data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 37 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 (310SBE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-12-29 and 2017-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Morro Bay National Estuary Program. 2018. QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Monitoring Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47792
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18944
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
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 the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47791
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 82
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 82 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Region Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek, 310USB - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/17/2002 9:30:00 AM-3/11/2010 3:50:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: pH was measured using test strips. In recent communication with the program QA officer concern has been raised about underestimation of the result with test strips.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 18943
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 19005
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109108, pH
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 19006
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
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: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310-SBE-41 - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83149
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

The sample size for the evaluation guideline for water contact recreation for Enterococcus 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 using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of 1 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2005) for contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.).

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 1 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) 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 83149, Enterococcus
Region 3     
San Bernardo Creek
 
LOE ID: 47782
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for San Bernardo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data from Morro Bay National Estuary Program's Volunteer Monitoring Program, May 2002-Apr. 2010
 
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 Enterococci in marine waters is 104 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 San Bernardo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310SBE - San Bernardo Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/15/2005 12:20:00 PM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected in compliance with an EPA approved QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Morro Bay National Estuary Program¿s Volunteer Monitoring Program. Jan. 12, 2010, Version 5, Draft 2