Final California 2010 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries
Water Body ID:	CAR1151001319990617175806
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	13421	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 167 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objective. 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 167 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency of 15 per the binomial distribution described in Section 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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13421, Nitrate	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

9001

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

167

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 167 nitrate as nitrogen samples collected in Salmon Creek exceeded the objective. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (detection limits of 0.02 mg/L - 0.04 mg/L) to 0.8 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen is 45 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected from six locations in the Salmon Creek Watershed as follows: (1) two sites on the mainstem Salmon Creek from Bittner Road to Salmon Creek School on Bohemian Highway; (2) one site on Tannery Creek off Jennifer Lane and Joy Road; (3) one site on Thurston Creek at Joy Road; (4) one site on Westwood Creek at Bittner Road; and (5) one site on Fay Creek off Fitzpatrick Lane.

Temporal Representation:

On the mainstem Salmon Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to August 2006. On Tannery Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to October 2006. On Thurston Creek, samples were collected from June 2004 to August 2006. On Westwood Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to August 2006. On Fay Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to July 2006.

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 in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007). At each site a grab sample was collected using a container on a pole or by a bucket attached to a rope. The samples were then put into sterilized Whirl Pak bags, put into coolers on ice, and brought to the lab for analysis.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007


DECISION ID	4401	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

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)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Combined, 13 of the 216 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objective. 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) Thirteen of the 216 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency of 36 per the binomial distribution described in Section 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, 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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4401, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

9000

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

183

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Thirteen of the 183 dissolved oxygen samples collected in the Salmon Creek Watershed exceeded the water quality objective. Data were divided into two categories, 1) no spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring and 2) spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring. Presence of salmonid species was determined by the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma web-based information system (KRIS 2008). Information on the timing of spawning, incubation, and emergence for Salmon Creek was not available and thus information from the neighboring Russian River Watershed was used to determine periodicity (Steiner 1996).

The DO values when no spawning, incubation, and emergence were occurring ranged from 3.5 mg/L to 14.1mg/L (3 exceedences of the objective). DO values during times of spawning, incubation, and emergence ranged from 4.5 mg/L to 17.4 mg/L (10 exceedences of the objective).

These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008

A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River.

KRIS West Marin-Sonoma. Hypothesis #1: The distribution and abundance of anadromous salmonids in the KRIS West Marin-Sonoma project area are in decline. Website accessed December 12, 2008. http://www.krisweb.com/kris_wms/krisdb/html/krisweb/analysis/hypoth1_wms.htm

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): (1) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 6.0 mg/L for waters designated as COLD.
(2) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 9.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN during critical spawning and egg incubation periods.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

On the mainstem Salmon Creek, samples were collected during 68 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Tannery Creek, samples were collected during 34 site visits from January 2004 to November 2006. On Thurston Creek, samples were collected during 32 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Westwood Creek, samples were collected during 36 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Fay Creek, samples were collected during 30 site visits from January 2004 to November 2006. The DO samples were collected as instantaneous measurements and do not represent diurnal conditions.

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 in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4401, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1761

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

One of 11 samples taken, one of the samples June of 2003 was below the 6.0mg/l water quality objective with a value of 5.9 (Sandler, et al., 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed the dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be reduced below the following minimum levels at any time; Waters designated COLD - 6.0 mg/l.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Thurston Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at 16444 Joy Woods Way, Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month, January through December 2003, except in November 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4401, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1750

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Out of the 10 samples taken (Sandler et al., 2004), 2 were below the 6.0 mg/l objective. These were the samples for the month of October and November at 5.2 mg/l and 5.8 mg/l respectively.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Fay Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at 17300 Taylor Rd., Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month from January through July, and from October through December in 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4401, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1757

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Of those 12 samples (Sandler, et al., 2004) taken 2 were below the 6.0 mg/l Objective. Samples in June and October had results of 5.5 mg/l and 4.6 mg/l respectively.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Dissolved oxygen for waters not listed in Table 3-1 and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed the dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be reduced below the following minimum levels at any time; Waters designated COLD - 6.0 mg/l.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Tannery Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at Jennifer Lane, at the bridge where the trail starts, Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month, January through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	13422	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

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

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It is unknown if any of the phosphorus samples exceed the water quality objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients such as phosphorus do not impair beneficial uses by themselves, or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. Therefore, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is also 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) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. Note: Lines of evidence for both orthophosphate and total dissolved phosphorus data support this Decision. Total dissolved phosphorus includes orthophosphate. Phosphorus is used as the pollutant for this Decision because it includes both fractions and is easier to understand its relationship to other nutrients and the water quality objective.

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 it cannot be determined if 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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13422, Phosphorus	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1752

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The 11 samples from the Salmon Creek at Occidental sampling site ranged from non-detect to 0.082 mg/l. The 6 samples from the Salmon Creek at Bodega Bay sampling site ranged from 0.016 to 0.130 mg/l (Sandler, et al., 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan does not have a water quality objective for orthophosphate.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There is no appropriate interpretive evaluation guideline for orthophosphate.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was along Salmon Creek only (two locations). One sampling site was in Occidental (SAL060), the other was at the Highway 1 bridge in the town of Bodega Bay (SAL010).

Temporal Representation:

Samples from the Occidental (SAL060) site were taken monthly, except for October, in 2003. Samples from the Bodega Bay (SAL010) were taken monthly between January and April, and in June and July 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13422, Phosphorus	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1762

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The 12 samples from the Westwood Creek sampling site ranged from non-detect to 0.082 mg/l.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan does not have a water quality objective for orthophosphate.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There is no appropriate interpretive evaluation guideline for orthophosphate.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was limited to Westwood Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were taken monthly from January through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13422, Phosphorus	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1751

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

In Fay Creek, a tributary of Salmon Creek, orthophosphate concentrations ranged from non-dectable to 0.065.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan does not have a water quality objective for orthophosphate.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There is no appropriate interpretive evaluation guideline for orthophosphate.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Fay Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at 17300 Taylor Rd., Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month from January through July, and from October through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13422, Phosphorus	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1760

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The 12 samples from the Tannery Creek sampling site ranged from non-detect to 0.130 mg/l (Sandler, et al., 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan does not have a water quality objective for orthophosphate.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There is no appropriate interpretive evaluation guideline for orthophosphate.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was taken on Tannery Creek (at Jennifer Lane and the bridge where the trail starts, Occidental), a tributary of Salmon Creek.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were taken once a month from January through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 13422, Phosphorus	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

9043

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

It is unknown whether any of the 171 phosphorus samples collected in the Salmon Creek Watershed exceed the objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients, such as phosphorus, alone do not impair beneficial uses or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (reporting limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L) to 0.17 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): 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.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

On the mainstem Salmon Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to August 2006. On Tannery Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to October 2006. On Thurston Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to July 2006. On Westwood Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to August 2006. On Fay Creek, samples were collected from January 2004 to July 2006.

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 in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007


DECISION ID	4328	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Combined, 2 of 211 pH samples exceed the water quality objective. 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) Two of the 211 pH samples exceed the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency of 35 per the binomial distribution described in Section 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, 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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4328, pH	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

8999

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

200

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 200 samples for pH collected in the Salmon Creek Watershed exceeded the pH water quality objective. The pH values ranged from 6.5 to 8.5. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institutes Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, CCWI 2007).

Data Reference:

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008

Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The maximum pH objective is 8.5. The minimum pH objective is 6.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

On the mainstem Salmon Creek, samples were collected during 68 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Tannery Creek, samples were collected during 34 site visits from January 2004 to November 2006. On Thurston Creek, samples were collected during 32 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Westwood Creek, samples were collected during 36 site visits from January 2004 to December 2006. On Fay Creek, samples were collected during 30 site visits from January 2004 to November 2006. The pH samples were collected as instantaneous measurements and do not represent diurnal conditions.

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 in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4328, pH	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1754

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Eleven of 11 samples from the Occidental sampling site were within the 6.5-8.5 range. The samples from the other site, Salmon Creek at Bodega Bay, 2 of the 6 samples exceeded the objective. The two samples at this site that exceeded the objective were at 8.6 and 9.1. (Sandler, et al., 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5, and that changes in the normal ambient pH shall not exceed 0.5 units within the above range in freshwaters designated COLD or WARM.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was along Salmon Creek only (two locations). One sampling site was in Occidental (SAL060), the other was at the Highway 1 bridge in the town of Bodega Bay (SAL010).

Temporal Representation:

Eleven samples from the Occidental site (SAL060) site were taken monthly, except for October, in 2003. Six samples from the Bodega Bay site (SAL010) were taken monthly between January and April, and in June and July 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	4438	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

Pollutant:	Specific Conductance
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)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
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. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not sufficient justification in favor of 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) A specific conductance guideline is not available for this water segment that complies with the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Policy. There is no guideline available and no water quality objective for specific conductance for this water segment. (2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the 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:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.

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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4438, Specific Conductance	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1753

Pollutant:

Specific Conductance

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There were 17 samples collected (Sandler, et al., 2004). There is no specific conductance water quality objective to evaluate the data and information collected at these two sites.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan does not have a specific conductance water quality objective for waters within the Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was along Salmon Creek only(two locations). One sampling site was in Occidental (SAL060), the other was at the Highway 1 bridge in the town of Bodega Bay (SAL010).

Temporal Representation:

Samples from the Occidental (SAL060) site were taken once a month, except for October, in 2003. Samples from the Bodega Bay (SAL010) were taken once a month between January and April, and in June and July 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	4329	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

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)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Four numerical lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess turbidity for Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA. The information considered for Salmon Creek HA comes from Westwood Creek, Thurston Creek, Salmon Creek and Fay Creek respectively. 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) One of 12 samples for Westwood Creek exceeded the turbidity evaluation guideline. None of the 11 samples for Thurston Creek exceeded the turbidity evaluation guideline. Two of 17 samples for Salmon Creek exceeded the evaluation guideline. None of the samples for Fay Creek exceeded the guideline. The turbidity exceedances of these creeks considered separately for Salmon Creek HA do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 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:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.

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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1755

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Visual

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Pictures were submitted for Salmon Creek from USEPA solicitation of information. There were 8 photographs taken on January 11, 2004. The photographs presented show streambank conditions in the Salmon Creek watershed observed on January 11, 2004. Pictures #1 through #6 show the Salmon Creek as viewed from the Bodega Hwy at the bridge over Salmon Creek, just west of the Valley Ford Cut-off Road. Pictures #1 through #4 show stream banks and upland pastureland on the north side of the road where the stream flows westward (from right to left in this picture) from the town of Freestone. Pictures #7 and #8 show the view of Salmon Creek as it flows from the Bodega Hwy Bridge westward to the town of Bodega. (North Coast RWQCB, 2004b)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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. Turbidity shall not be increased more than 20 percent above naturally occurring background levels. Allowable zones of dilution within which higher percentages can be tolerated may be defined for specific discharges upon the issuance of discharge permits or waiver thereof. Water shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

None provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1759

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There were 11 samples taken and all of the samples were well below the evaluation guideline, none of the samples were in exceedance.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

The evaluation guideline that has been used to determine turbidity exceedance is from published-peer reviewed paper, "The Effects of Chronic Turbidity on Density and Growth of Steelheads and Coho Salmon", John W Sigler (1984). The guideline is "In our studies, as little as 25 NTUs of turbidity caused a reduction in fish growth."

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was along Thurston Creek, a tributary of Salmon Creek. Samples were taken at 16444 Joy Woods Way, Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were taken monthly from January through December 2003, except in November 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1756

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There were 6 turbidity samples taken from the Bodega Bay site and 11 samples taken at Occidental site. There was one sample in exceedance of the guideline at 38.4 NTU out of 6 samples from Bodega Bay site. There was one sample in exceedance of the guideline at the Occidental site out of 11 samples. Taken together there were 2 out of 17 samples that exceeded the water quality objective/criterion. (Sandler, et al., 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was along Salmon Creek only. One sampling site was in Occidental (SAL060), the other was at the Highway 1 bridge in the town of Bodega Bay (SAL010).

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1763

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There were 12 samples taken , one of the samples was in exceedance of the evaluation guideline. This sample was taken in February at 42.4 NTU. The other samples were all well below the evaluation guideline. (Sandler, et al., 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Westwood Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at Westwood Lane and Bittner Rd., Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month from January through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1749

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

There were 10 samples taken and all of the samples were well below the evaluation guideline, none of the samples were in exceedance (Sandler, et al., 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

All samples were taken in Fay Creek a tributary to Salmon Creek at 17300 Taylor Rd., Occidental.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling occurred once a month from January through July, and from October through December 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4329, Turbidity	Region 1
Bodega HU, Salmon Creek HA, Salmon Creek and its tributaries

LOE ID:

1758

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Visual

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Pictures were submitted for Salmon Creek from USEPA solicitation of information. There were 6 photographs taken on January 11, 2004. This memo includes photo documentation of riparian conditions observed on Nolan Creek on January 11, 2004. Nolan Creek flows southward from Joy Ridge where it joins Thurston Creek before passing under the Bodega Hwy about 1000 feet west of Joy Road near the town of Bodega. Nolan Creek passes southward under the Bodega Hwy bridge where it joins Salmon Creek about 2000 feet south of the highway. The photographs below were taken from the Bodega Hwy at or near the Nolan Creek Bridge.
Picture 1 below shows Nolan Creek flowing away to the south toward Salmon Creek.
Picture 2 above looks upstream at the pastoral landscape north of Bodega Hwy at Joy Road.
Picture 3 and Picture 4 below show examples of the cattle trails and trampled, denuded stream banks that appear to provide sources of fine sediment to the tributary streams and main stem of Salmon Creek.
Pictures 5 and Picture 6 below illustrate fine sediment delivery to the creeks from trampled stream banks.
(North Coast RWQCB, 2004b)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

None provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):