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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Pismo Creek
Water Body ID: CAR3102601420020124125144
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
14329
Region 3     
Pismo 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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 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. None of the 58 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use.

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 58 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use 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 14329, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10111
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14329, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10110
 
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: 58
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14367
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14367, Anthracene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15667
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Anthracene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for anthracene is 845 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14367, Anthracene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15668
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Anthracene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for anthracene is 845 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14366
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14366, Arsenic
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15739
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for arsenic is 33 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14366, Arsenic
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15753
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for arsenic is 33 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14364
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14364, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15809
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Benzo(a)anthracene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)anthracene is 1050 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14364, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15808
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Benzo(a)anthracene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)anthracene is 1050 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14365
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14365, Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15422
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Benzo(a)pyrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)Pyrene is 1450 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14365, Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15435
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Benzo(a)pyrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)Pyrene is 1450 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14331
Region 3     
Pismo 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 52 samples exceed the Agricultural 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 52 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective 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 14331, Boron
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10112
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 52 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14363
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14363, Cadmium
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15536
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cadmium is 4.98 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14363, Cadmium
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15535
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cadmium is 4.98 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14333
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 56 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 56 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 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 14333, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12572
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
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
  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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/3/2001. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14333, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12571
 
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: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
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
  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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/3/2001. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14333, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 9876
 
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: 55
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 55 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
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
  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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14333, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 9889
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 55
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 55 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
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
  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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14339
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 2 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) 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. One of the 2 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 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 14339, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16227
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
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 0.025 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14339, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16124
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
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 0.025 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14339, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16111
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
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 0.025 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14339, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16228
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
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 0.025 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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
14362
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14362, Chromium (total)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15977
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for chromium is 111 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14362, Chromium (total)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15978
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for chromium is 111 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14361
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14361, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16063
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chrysene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Chrysene is 1290 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14361, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16062
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chrysene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Chrysene is 1290 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14360
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14360, Copper
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15879
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cooper is 149 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14360, Copper
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 15892
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cooper is 149 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14340
Region 3     
Pismo 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 section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Neither of the 2 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) 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. Neither of the 2 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sipmann and Finlayson, 2000) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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 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 14340, Diazinon
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16772
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14340, Diazinon
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16865
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14340, Diazinon
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16717
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14340, Diazinon
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16864
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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
14359
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14359, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16733
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for dieldrin is 61.8 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14359, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16732
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for dieldrin is 61.8 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14336
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural 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 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective 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 14336, Electrical Conductivity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10789
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14336, Electrical Conductivity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10735
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14358
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14358, Endrin
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16419
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for endrin is 207 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14358, Endrin
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16420
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for endrin is 207 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14357
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14357, Fluoranthene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16504
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fluoranthene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Fluoranthene is 2,230 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14357, Fluoranthene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16517
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fluoranthene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Fluoranthene is 2,230 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14356
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14356, Fluorene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16381
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fluorene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for fluorene is 536 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14356, Fluorene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16382
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fluorene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for fluorene is 536 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14354
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Lead
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14354, Lead
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17217
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for lead is 128 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14354, Lead
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17216
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for lead is 128 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14353
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14353, Mercury
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17314
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for mercury is 1.06 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14353, Mercury
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17301
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for mercury is 1.06 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14352
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14352, Naphthalene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17367
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Naphthalene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for naphthalene is 561 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14352, Naphthalene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17368
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Naphthalene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for naphthalene is 561 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14351
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14351, Nickel
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16937
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for nickel is 48.6 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14351, Nickel
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16936
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for nickel is 48.6 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14341
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 59 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Municipal and Domestic Supply and 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 59 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Municipal and Domestic Supply and 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 14341, Nitrate
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 9873
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14341, Nitrate
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 9874
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
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 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14330
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 59 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use.

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 59 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use 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 14330, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10109
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14350
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14350, Phenanthrene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17035
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Phenanthrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Phenanthrene is 1170 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14350, Phenanthrene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17036
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Phenanthrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Phenanthrene is 1170 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14349
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14349, Pyrene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16913
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Pyrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Pyrene is 1520 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14349, Pyrene
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 16899
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Pyrene.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Pyrene is 1520 ug/Kg dry weight (Macdonald et al. 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14355
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Sediment 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 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in sediment samples. The single sample was not toxic to invertebrate test organisms (exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control) and therefore do not exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample was not toxic to invertebrate 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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14355, Sediment Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 24601
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14355, Sediment Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 24611
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14345
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 69 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use.

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 69 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use 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 14345, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12607
 
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: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo 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: 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: 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: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14345, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12570
 
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: 58
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
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: 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: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14346
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the 54 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. Three of the 54 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 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 14346, Turbidity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12555
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 51
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 51 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14346, Turbidity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12569
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 51
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 51 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14346, Turbidity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12606
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/30/2001. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14346, Turbidity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12605
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/30/2001. 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: 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
15516
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in water samples. The single sample was not toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality 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. The single sample (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms) did not exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control. Nor did the single sample, tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control.

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. The single sample (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms) did not exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control. Nor did the single sample, tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms exhibit a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control. 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded because sample size is insufficient.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15516, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 24623
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15516, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 24589
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15516, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 24588
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 15516, Unknown Toxicity
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 23956
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (00SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 3/19/2002. 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: 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
14348
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in adding that pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. The sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
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 the sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if water quality standards are being met.
 
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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
USEPA Action (if applicable):
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14348, Zinc
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17794
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for zinc is 459 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14348, Zinc
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 17810
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (03SW3001) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
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, General Objective 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: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for zinc is 459 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 4/1/2004. 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: 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
14347
Region 3     
Pismo 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.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 66 samples exceed the any of the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

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 66 samples exceed the any of the water quality objective 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 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10752
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10810
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10809
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 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: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10755
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 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: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10790
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10756
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10792
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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, 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10793
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10736
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10753
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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, 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10754
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 59 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14347, pH
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10791
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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
14332
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Petroleum Activities | Resource Extraction | Transient encampments
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.

One line of evidence is 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.

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. Thirty-eight of 52 samples exceeded the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this 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 14332, Chloride
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10113
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 38
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 38 of 52 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14337
Region 3     
Pismo 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: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Petroleum Activities | Resource Extraction | Transient encampments
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 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.

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. Ten of 25 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline (USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, 1986) as it applies to the Water Contact Recreation beneficial use and this 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 14337, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10811
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 25 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2005-11/15/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14337, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10812
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 25 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: 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. E. coli 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2005-11/15/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14338
Region 3     
Pismo 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: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Resource Extraction | Transient encampments
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 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.

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-three of 57 samples exceeded the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation and this 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 14338, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10733
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 23
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 23 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-11/15/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14338, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 10734
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
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 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.
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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-11/15/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14334
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Low Dissolved Oxygen
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Petroleum Activities | Resource Extraction | Transient encampments
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.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess these pollutants. Two water quality objectives are assessed: Twenty-three of the 69 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and 50 of 69 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (when applied as a single sample maximum). This also exceeds the Basin Plan objective for oxygen saturation which states that the median oxygen saturation value shall not fall below 85%.

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-three of the 69 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. In addition, 50 of 69 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (when applied as a single sample maximum). This also exceeds the Basin Plan objective for oxygen saturation which states that the median oxygen saturation value shall not fall below 85%.
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 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12587
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, 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: 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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12537
 
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: 58
Number of Exceedances: 17
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12589
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 11 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12551
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, 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: 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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12586
 
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: 11
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, 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: 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12588
 
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: 11
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
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 Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 11 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/3/2001-8/5/2006. 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: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12553
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 58
Number of Exceedances: 39
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 39 of 58 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 14334, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 12552
 
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: 58
Number of Exceedances: 39
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 39 of 58 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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
14344
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
Pollutant: Sodium
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Natural Sources | Resource Extraction | Transient encampments
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.

One line of evidence is 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.

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. Forty-five of 52 samples exceeded the Agricultural Supply water quality objective and this 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 14344, Sodium
Region 3     
Pismo Creek
 
LOE ID: 9875
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 45
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Pismo Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 45 of 52 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
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 sodium exceeds 69 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 Pismo Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310PIS-Pismo Creek above Highway 101]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/24/2001-12/20/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
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):