| Water Body Name: | Copco Lake |
| Water Body ID: | CAL1053802120020720133912 |
| Water Body Type: | Lake & Reservoir |
DECISION ID |
13972 |
Region 1 |
Copco Lake |
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| Pollutant: | Cyanobacteria hepatotoxic microcystins |
| Final Listing Decision: | Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
| Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision |
| Revision Status | Revised |
| Sources: | Agriculture | Dam Construction | Drainage/Filling Of Wetlands | Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification | Habitat Modification | Hydromodification | Internal Nutrient Cycling (primarily lakes) | Source Unknown |
| Expected TMDL Completion Date: | 2019 |
| Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant |
| Regional Board Conclusion: | This pollutant was added to the Section 303(d) List on May 29, 2008, by the US EPA as part of the 2006 303(d) List Update process, which applies to the mainstem Klamath River in the Klamath River Hydrologic Unit, Middle Klamath River Hydrologic Area, Oregon to Iron Gate reach, excluding the riverine reach from the Oregon border downstream to the beginning of Copco 1 Reservoir (i.e., the mainstem Klamath River from the beginning of Copco 1 Reservoir to Iron Gate Dam). This listing applies to the Copco 1 and Copco 2 Reservoirs.
This pollutant is being considered for removal from the Section 303(d) List under Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record. The LOE for microcystin toxin in the water column (LOE 26004) has an evaluation guideline (WHO 2003) that meets the requirements of the Listing Policy. The LOE for microcystin toxin in fish tissue (LOE 25754) has an evaluation guideline (Alexeff 2008) that State Water Board staff believes does not meet the requirements of the Listing Policy, due to the fact that the guideline has not been peer-reviewed or published in an official OEHHA agency document. Therefore, only data from LOE 26004 for microcystin in the water column were utilized to assess this pollutant. Data from LOE 25754 on microcystin in fish tissue are as follows, but were not utilized to assess this pollutant: twenty-one out of 22 tissue microcystin toxin samples exceeded the evaluation guideline (Alexeff 2008). Based on the readily available data and information, the situation-specific weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not delist). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) On May 29, 2008, the US EPA identified the portion of the "Klamath River Hydrologic Unit (HU), Middle HA Hydrologic Area (HA), from Oregon to Iron Gate [reservoir]" that is impaired due to microcystin toxins as the area including the Copco 1 and 2 Reservoirs, Iron Gate Reservoir, and waters in between. (2) Four out of 13 water column microcystin toxin samples exceed the WHO (2003) evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective. (3) Any exceedance of the evaluation guidelines indicates non-attainment of standards. In compliance with Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, a water segment shall not be removed from the Section 303(d) List if the weight of evidence indicates non-attainment. (4) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (5) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (6) 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, North Coast 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: | |
| State Board Decision Recommendation: | After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board. |
| USEPA Action (if applicable): | USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant. |
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| LOE ID: | 25754 | ||||
| Pollutant: | Cyanobacteria hepatotoxic microcystins | ||||
| LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Tissue | ||||
| Matrix: | Tissue | ||||
| Fraction: | Fish whole body | ||||
| Beneficial Use: | Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms | ||||
| Number of Samples: | 22 | ||||
| Number of Exceedances: | 21 | ||||
| Data and Information Type: | Fish tissue analysis | ||||
| Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Twenty-one out of the 22 microcystin samples analyzed from the tissue of perch collected from Copco I Reservoir exceed the evaluation guideline. Sample concentrations range from 0.00 to 473.39 ng/g. Nineteen of the tissue samples were collected from perch fillet, and 3 were collected from perch liver. Fish samples were collected by the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and analyzed for microcystin by the CDFG Fish and Wildlife Water Pollution Control Laboratory in Rancho Cordova, CA. Data are summarized by Kann (2008). The presence of the toxin microcystin in fish and mussels in the Klamath River has the potential to impair the Native American Culture (CUL) and Subsistence Fishing (FISH) beneficial uses, as well as the Commercial and Sport Fishing (COMM) beneficial use listed above. | ||||
| Data Reference: | Technical Memorandum. Microcystin Bioaccumulation in Klamath River Fish and Freshwater Mussel Tissue: Preliminary 2007 Results. Prepared by Jacob Kann, Ph.D. of Aquatic Ecosystem Sciences LLC. Prepared for Karuk Tribe of California. | ||||
| SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
| Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Per the Basin Plan (North Coast RWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Water Board. | ||||
| Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1) | ||||
| Evaluation Guideline: | Per the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) (Alexeeff 2008): The upper bound of the Advisory Tissue Level range for the one serving (8 oz. uncooked fish, 6 oz. cooked, equal to 32 g/day) per week category is 26 ng total microcystins per gram of fish (26 ng/g). This Advisory Tissue Level applies to a composite of 3 or more individual samples of edible tissue. | ||||
| Guideline Reference: | Letter of August 6, 2008, to Randy Landolt, Managing Director, Pacificorp Energy, from George V. Alexeeff, Ph.D, DABT, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, regarding information related to the occurrence of microcystin in the tissues of Klamath River biota | ||||
| Spatial Representation: | Yellow perch samples were collected from Copco I Reservoir. | ||||
| Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected September 6 to 7, 2007. | ||||
| Environmental Conditions: | There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data. | ||||
| QAPP Information: | Samples were collected and analyzed in accordance with the quality assurance procedures described in the "Technical Memorandum. Microcystin Bioaccumulation in Klamath River Fish and Freshwater Mussel Tissue: Preliminary 2007 Results" (Kann 2008). | ||||
| QAPP Information Reference(s): | Technical Memorandum. Microcystin Bioaccumulation in Klamath River Fish and Freshwater Mussel Tissue: Preliminary 2007 Results. Prepared by Jacob Kann, Ph.D. of Aquatic Ecosystem Sciences LLC. Prepared for Karuk Tribe of California. | ||||
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| LOE ID: | 26004 | ||||
| Pollutant: | Cyanobacteria hepatotoxic microcystins | ||||
| LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water | ||||
| Matrix: | Water | ||||
| Fraction: | None | ||||
| Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation | ||||
| Number of Samples: | 13 | ||||
| Number of Exceedances: | 4 | ||||
| Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING | ||||
| Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Four of the 13 microcystin samples collected in Copco I Reservoir in 2008 exceed the evaluation guideline. Additionally, four of the 13 microcystin samples exceeded the Blue Green Algae Work Group (2008) guideline for microcystin toxin of 8 ug/L to protect the recreational exposure of a child. Microcystin concentrations ranged from non-detect to 14,000 ug/L. Samples were collected and summarized by the Karuk Tribe of California (Karuk 2008 - data). | ||||
| Data Reference: | Cyanobacteria in California Recreational Water Bodies. Providing Voluntary Guidance about Harmful Algal Blooms, Their Monitoring, and Public Notification. Draft. September 2008. Blue Green Algae Work Group of the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Public Health, and Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment | ||||
| Karuk Tribe 2008 BGA Data (KR TOX Table 2008). Data for Blue Green Algae in the Klamath River, July 2008 to September 2008 | |||||
| SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
| Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): All water shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Water Board. | ||||
| Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1) | ||||
| Evaluation Guideline: | Per the World Health Organization (WHO 2003): The recommended guideline for microcystin toxin in recreational waters associated with a moderate probability of adverse health effects is 20 ug/L. | ||||
| Guideline Reference: | World Health Organization. 2003. Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments: Volume 1 Coastal and Freshwaters. | ||||
| Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from 3 locations in Copco Reservoir as follows: (1) in the open water near the dam, (2) in Copco Cove, and (3) in Mallard Cove. | ||||
| Temporal Representation: | Grab samples were collected in Copco I Reservoir on 13 occasions between July 2, 2008 and September 3, 2008. | ||||
| Environmental Conditions: | There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data. | ||||
| QAPP Information: | Samples were collected according to the procedures summarized in the "Draft Mid-Klamath River Nutrient, Periphyton, Phytoplankton and Algal Toxin Sampling Analysis Plan" (Karuk 2009). | ||||
| QAPP Information Reference(s): | Draft Mid-Klamath River Nutrient, Periphyton, Phytoplankton and Algal Toxin Sampling Analysis Plan (SAP). Karuk Tribe of California Water Quality Program. | ||||
DECISION ID |
9602 |
Region 1 |
Copco Lake |
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| Pollutant: | Mercury |
| Final Listing Decision: | Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list) |
| Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision |
| Revision Status | Revised |
| Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant |
| Regional Board Conclusion: | Mercury in Copco Lake is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 3 composite total mercury samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the toxicity water quality objective. The evaluation guideline is the tissue residue criterion of 0.3 mg/kg from the "Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury" (USEPA 2001). Total mercury is usually analyzed for most fish studies and assumed to be 100% methylmercury for the purposes of risk assessment (Klasing & Brodberg 2008). 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) None of the 3 composite samples exceed the evaluation guideline, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. |
| Regional Board Decision Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, North Coast 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. |
| USEPA Action (if applicable): | |
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| LOE ID: | 21169 | ||||
| Pollutant: | Mercury | ||||
| LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Tissue | ||||
| Matrix: | Tissue | ||||
| Fraction: | Fish fillet | ||||
| Beneficial Use: | Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms | ||||
| Number of Samples: | 3 | ||||
| Number of Exceedances: | 0 | ||||
| Data and Information Type: | Fish tissue analysis | ||||
| Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | None of 3 total mercury composite samples of fish from Copco I Reservoir exceed the evaluation guideline. Sample composite concentrations range from 0.175 mg/kg to 0.184 mg/kg. Sample composites were made from fish of each species of approximately the same size. For Copco Lake, 3 sample composites were made as follows: 3 yellow perch that range in fork length size from 188 mm to 197 mm, 5 yellow perch from 168 mm to 172 mm; and 5 yellow perch from 141 mm to 152 mm. Sample composites were analyzed for total mercury with the assumption that 100% of the total mercury value represents the methylmercury content of tissue. Data is summarized by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR 2001; DWR 2007). | ||||
| Data Reference: | Mercury Contamination in Fish from Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs. State of California. The Resources Agency. Department of Water Resources. Northern District. July 2007 | ||||
| Data for Mercury Tissue in Northern California Lakes, 2000-2001 | |||||
| SWAMP Data: | Non-SWAMP | ||||
| Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Water Board. | ||||
| Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1) | ||||
| Evaluation Guideline: | Per the Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury (USEPA 2001): the Ambient Water Quality Criterion for methylmercury is the tissue residue criterion of 0.3 mg methylmercury per kg of fish (0.3 mg/kg). This is the concentration in fish tissue that should not be exceeded to protect human health based on a total fish and shellfish consumption-weighted rate of 0.0175 kg fish/day. Total mercury is usually analyzed for most fish studies and assumed to be 100% methylmercury for the purposes of risk assessment (Klasing & Brodberg 2008). | ||||
| Guideline Reference: | Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene | ||||
| Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury. Final. United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology Office of Water. EPA-823-R-01-001. January 2001 | |||||
| Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected in Copco I Reservoir. | ||||
| Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected on the July 15, 2001. | ||||
| Environmental Conditions: | There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data. | ||||
| QAPP Information: | Samples were collected, processed, and analyzed in accordance with the methods described in "Mercury Contamination in fish from Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs" (DWR 2007), which closely follows the Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of Californias Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (Puckett 2002). | ||||
| QAPP Information Reference(s): | Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version) | ||||
| Mercury Contamination in Fish from Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs. State of California. The Resources Agency. Department of Water Resources. Northern District. July 2007 | |||||