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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Branciforte Creek
Water Body ID:	CAR3041205119990223104548
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	10748	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Ammonia (Unionized)
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence isavailable in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 14 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Cold Freshwater Habitat. 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. 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 14 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Cold Freshwater Habitat and therefore 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10748, Ammonia (Unionized)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9165

Pollutant:

Ammonia (Unionized)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10753	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Boron
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply. 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. 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and therefore 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10753, Boron	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9166

Pollutant:

Boron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10754	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Chloride
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply. 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. 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and therefore 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10754, Chloride	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9167

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 chloride exceeds 106 mg/L 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16046	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Chlorophyll-a
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 15 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. 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 15 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16046, Chlorophyll-a	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9216

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Water quality standards table

Evaluation Guideline:

North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16048	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Diazinon
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 sections 2.1 and 3.1 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.1. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Neither of 2 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this exceeds 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, 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 16048, Diazinon	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

16787

Pollutant:

Diazinon

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06

SWAMP Data:

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. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10757	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Electrical Conductivity
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Six of the 283 samples exceed the water quality objective fopr Agricultural Supply. 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. 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. Six of the 283 samples exceed the water quality objective fopr 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10544

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10664

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

17532

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

119

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 119 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr., 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

17387

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

17495

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(ms).

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/7/2005-5/6/2006. 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 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

17514

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(ms).

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 9/17/2003.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10757, Electrical Conductivity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18567

Pollutant:

Electrical Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

136

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 136 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/12/1994-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10765	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Low Dissolved Oxygen
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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. Fifteen of the 279 samples exceed the Dissolved Oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat. In addition, 9 of the 54 Oxygen Saturation samples exceed the General Water Quality Objective (when applied as a single sample maximum). However, the Basin Plan objective states that the median oxygen saturation value shall not fall below 85% and the median value did not exceed this criterion. 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. 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. Fifteen of the 279 samples exceed the water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat. and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. In addition, the median value did not exceed the General Objective. 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11912

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11913

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19795

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:

130

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 130 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/12/1994-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18013

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:

122

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 122 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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18102

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:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 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:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street, 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19872

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 38 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/12/1994-5/27/1998.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11933

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10765, Low Dissolved Oxygen	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11932

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10764	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

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. Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 213 samples exceed the water quality objectives for either Municipal and Domestic Supply or for Agricultural Supply. 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. 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 213 samples exceed the water quality objectives for either Municipal and Domestic Supply or for Agricultural Supply. 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, 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 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18395

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr., 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/25/2004-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

13918

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18622

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

135

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/12/1994-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9218

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9217

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18621

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

135

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/12/1994-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

13934

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18410

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/25/2004-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18363

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

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 10764, Nitrate	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18378

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

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	10750	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
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. Three lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 53 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA Lifetime Health Advisory Level (2006) for for the Municipal and Domestic supply 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. 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 53 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA Lifetime Health Advisory Level (2006) for for the Municipal and Domestic supply water quality objective and therefore 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, 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 10750, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9164

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Evaluation Guideline:

EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."

Guideline Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10750, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

17566

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.

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 Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/25/2004-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10750, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

13950

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 10/21/2003-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10767	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Sodium
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Agricultural Supply. 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. 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 15 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Agricultural Supply and therefore 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10767, Sodium	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

9219

Pollutant:

Sodium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10768	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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. Three of the 288 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline to set to protect for Cold Freshwater Habitat objectives. 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. 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. Three of the 288 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline to set to protect for Cold Freshwater Habitat objectives. 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10768, Temperature, water	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18727

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:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10768, Temperature, water	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11930

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10768, Temperature, water	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11934

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:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10768, Temperature, water	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18764

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:

123

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 123 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:

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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10768, Temperature, water	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19877

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:

138

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 138 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16049	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Turbidity
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 3.2 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. Eight of the 109 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. 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. 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. Eight of the 109 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16049, Turbidity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19647

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

100

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 100 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16049, Turbidity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

11931

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 2/16/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16050	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Unknown Toxicity
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 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in water samples. None of the samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality or decrease in cell density compared to the laboratory control) and therefore do not exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. The following is a summary of the results from individual toxicity tests. None of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to plants) exhibited significant reduction in cell density relative to the control. In addition, none of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms) exhibited a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control. Lastly, none of the 2 samples, tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms exhibited a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control. 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. 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 samples were toxic to test organisms. Therefore, 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, 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.

USEPA Action (if applicable):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16050, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

23734

Pollutant:

Plant Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06

SWAMP Data:

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. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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:

Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.

Guideline Reference:

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)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16050, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

23731

Pollutant:

Invertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06

SWAMP Data:

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. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

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)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16050, Unknown Toxicity	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

23733

Pollutant:

Vertebrate Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06

SWAMP Data:

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. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (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:

Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.

Guideline Reference:

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)

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10769	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	pH
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Twenty-five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Ten samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, eight samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives and 12 samples exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. 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. 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. Ten samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, eight samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objectives and 12 samples exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water 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 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19662

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

140

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19658

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

140

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19659

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

140

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19660

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

140

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19661

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

140

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 8/19/1991-7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18083

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

126

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18067

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

126

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18852

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18853

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10543

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10278

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10279

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10495

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10496

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10493

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10494

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10545

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10546

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18086

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

126

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18084

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

126

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19182

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19181

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19180

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Agricultural Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. 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 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18085

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

126

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 7/26/2003-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10769, pH	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10547

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/25/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	16047	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.1 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.1. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Both of the samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this exceeds 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, 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 16047, Chlorpyrifos	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

16127

Pollutant:

Chlorpyrifos

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06

Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Sediment Chemistry Data from Region 3 Harbors, 2004

SWAMP Data:

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. (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 criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).

Guideline Reference:

Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/3/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10758	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Eleven out of 39 samples exceeded the Water Contact objective and this rate of exceedance supports rejection of the null hypothesis. None of the 39 samples exceeded the Non-Contact Recreation objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Eleven out of 39 samples exceeded the Water Contact objective and this meets or 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10758, Enterococcus	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

14152

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

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 freshwater is 61 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel].

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected monthly over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10758, Enterococcus	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

14153

Pollutant:

Enterococcus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

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. Enterococcus is a fecal coliform.

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10759	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Twenty-two of the 40 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation, thus supporting rejection of the null hypothesis. Only one of 79 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. For this Beneficial Use, the null hypothesis was not rejected. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Twenty-two of the 40 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this meets or 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18551

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 18 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:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr., 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/25/2004-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18556

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 6 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:

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 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18279

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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 Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 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:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

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 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10492

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18550

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 18 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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ 304-BRANC-21 - Branciforte above confluence w/SLR, 304-BRANC-24 - Happy Valley School, 304-BRANC-22 - Branciforte at DeLaveaga park, 304-BRANC-25 Branciforte Creek @ 4055 Branciforte Dr., 304-BRANC-23 Branciforte Creek @ 434 Market Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 5/25/2004-11/8/2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

14029

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19904

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 2/20/2002.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

19919

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 2/20/2002.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

14028

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 16 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRF_CCL - Branciforte Creek at Isbel]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

EPA Approved QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10759, Escherichia coli (E. coli)	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10530

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Branciforte Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	10763	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	New Decision
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Five of 16 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and therefore supports rejection of the null hypothesis. None of the 16 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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. Five of 16 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this meets or 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 the available data and information, SWRCB 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.

USEPA Action (if applicable):	USEPA approved the listing of this water body as a water quality limited segment requiring a TMDL for this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10763, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18843

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/19/1991.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10763, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10662

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

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: 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 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10763, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

18842

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996

Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRI_SCC - BRANCIFORTE CR. at ISBEL DR.]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 8/19/1991.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 10763, Fecal Coliform	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

10663

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2

Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

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 Branciforte Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304BRA-Branciforte Road at Water Street]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected over the time period 1/20/2005-3/8/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	6590	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

Pollutant:	Sedimentation/Siltation
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Road Construction \| Silviculture
TMDL Name:	San Lorenzo River Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	243
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	02/19/2004
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.

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 6590, Sedimentation/Siltation	Region 3
Branciforte Creek

LOE ID:

3933

Pollutant:

Sedimentation/Siltation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):