RESOURCES

Napa River Pathogen TMDL

U.S. EPA gives final approval to TMDL for Pathogens in the Napa River Watershed
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the Basin Plan amendment adopted by the Regional Water Board in November 2006, incorporating a TMDL and implementation plan for pathogens in the Napa River watershed. The amendment is now part of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Basin (Basin Plan), the master planning document for water quality in the Bay Area.

Water Board Resolution R2-2006-0079 (pdf)
Basin Plan Amendment (pdf)
Staff Report in support of Basin Plan amendment (pdf, 1.6MB)

Background:

The Napa River and its tributaries are listed as impaired by pathogens. The listing was made in response to observations of elevated bacteria in the river, which indicate the presence of fecal contamination and health risks to recreational users of the river from water-borne pathogens. Potential pathogen sources in the watershed include municipal stormwater, septic systems, sewer line leakage, pet waste, and livestock. The Napa River Pathogen TMDL examines this water quality problem, identifies sources of pathogen contamination, and specifies actions to create solutions.

For more information contact:

Tina Low
Water Resources Control Engineer
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board
1515 Clay Street, Suite 1400
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-622-5682
Fax: 510-622-2460
E-mail: TLow@waterboards.ca.gov