Pajaro River Sediment TMDL

Information

Problem Statement - Anthropogenic watershed disturbances have accelerated the natural processes of erosion and sedimentation in the Pajaro River, including Llagas Creek, Rider Creek, and San Benito River. Special studies have identified a variety of watershed conditions that have lead to excessive sedimentation. Excessive sedimentation has caused an exceedance of the narrative, general water quality objective for sediment because sediment load and rate have interfered with the beneficial uses of these waterbodies including, fish and wildlife (COLD, MIGR, and SPWN). The narrative objective states, “the suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.”

Documentation

  • May 3, 2007 - USEPA approves the Pajaro River Sediment TMDL
  • November 27, 2006 - OAL approves the Pajaro River Sediment TMDL
  • September 21, 2006 - State Water Resources Control Board approves the Pajaro River Sediment TMDL
  • December 2, 2005 - Central Coast Water Board adopts the Pajaro River Sediment TMDL

Contacts

Status and Public Notices

  • Status: Fully approved and effective. Implementation efforts underway.
  • Public Notice: None at this time.

Approval status

  • Central Coast Water Board
    - adopted December 2, 2005.
  • State Water Resources Control Board
    - approved September 21, 2006.
  • Office of Administrative Law (OAL)
    - approved November 27, 2006, which is the effective date.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency
    - approved May 3, 2007.