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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 7 - Colorado River Basin Region

Water Body Name: Salton Sea
Water Body ID: CAS7280000019990205133504
Water Body Type: Saline Lake
 
DECISION ID
4370
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Salinity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agricultural Return Flows | Out-of-state source | Point Source
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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. Ninety-four of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Ninety-four of 104 samples exceeded the Salinity Objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 4370, Salinity
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 3425
 
Pollutant: Salinity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 89
Number of Exceedances: 86
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Samples were collected by IID at 5 locations around the Salton Sea twice annually from 1995 to 2003. A total of 89 measurements were taken and only 3 measurements were less than 35,000 mg/L and 86 exceeded. Two of those measurements were at the "between rivers" site. Salinity data from this site is generally excluded from the IID Salt Balance Report due to possible influence of fresh water from the New and Alamo Rivers (CRBRWQCB, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for Salton Sea is to reduce the present level of salinity, and stabilize it at 35,000 mg/l unless it can be demonstrated that a different level of salinity is optimal for the sustenance of the Sea's wild and aquatic life (California Department of Fish and Game is attempting to make this determination). However, the achievement of this water quality objective shall be accomplished without adversely affecting the primary purpose of the Sea which is to receive and store agricultural drainage, seepage, and storm waters. Also, because of economic considerations, 35,000 mg/l may not be realistically achievable. In such case, any reduction in salinity which still allows for survival of the sea's aquatic life shall be deemed an acceptable alternative or interim objective. Because of the difficulty and predicted costliness of achieving salinity stabilization of Salton Sea, it is unreasonable for the Regional Board to assume responsibility for implementation of this objective. That responsibility must be shared jointly by all of the agencies which have direct influence on the Sea's fate. Additionally, there must be considerable public support for achieving this objective, without which it is unlikely necessary funding for Salton Sea salinity control will ever be realized.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at 5 locations around the outer edge of the Salton Sea: Bertram Station, Desert Beach, Salton Sea Beach, Sandy Beach, and Between Rivers.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected twice annually (spring and fall) from 5/10/1995 through 10/23/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected every spring and fall when irrigation practices may be most common.
QAPP Information: Imperial Irrigation District (IID) SOPs and Clinical Laboratory of San Bernardino (CLSB) QA Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 4370, Salinity
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29923
 
Pollutant: Salinity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twelve water quality samples were collected and analyzed from 4/2003 through 5/2004 at four locations in the Salton Sea Of these total samples, eight exceeded the Salinity Criteria The exceedences were found in samples collected on 11/04/2003, 11/05/2003, and 5/05/2004 from Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9 (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

The water quality objective for Salton Sea is to reduce the present level of salinity, and stabilize it at 35,000 mg/l unless it can be demonstrated that a different level of salinity is optimal for the sustenance of the Sea's wild and aquatic life (California Department of Fish and Game is attempting to make this determination). However, the achievement of this water quality objective shall be accomplished without adversely affecting the primary purpose of the Sea which is to receive and store agricultural drainage, seepage, and storm waters. Also, because of economic considerations, 35,000 mg/l may not be realistically achievable. In such case, any reduction in salinity which still allows for survival of the sea's aquatic life shall be deemed an acceptable alternative or interim objective. Because of the difficulty and predicted costliness of achieving salinity stabilization of Salton Sea, it is unreasonable for the Regional Board to assume responsibility for implementation of this objective. That responsibility must be shared jointly by all of the agencies which have direct influence on the Sea's fate. Additionally, there must be considerable public support for achieving this objective, without which it is unlikely necessary funding for Salton Sea salinity control will ever be realized.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twelve water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in April and November of 2003, and May of 2005 at all four sampling locations.The exceedences were found in samples collected from 11/04/2003 through 5/05/2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
6329
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under sections 4.1, 4.4, and 4.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Selenium consistent with Listing Policy section 6.1.5.9. Line of evidence No 4395 is a placeholder line of evidence, containing no data it is used to indicate this was a listing made prior to 2006.

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a Fish Advisory for the Salton Sea, as reported in Line of Evidence No. 23499. This fish consumption advisory is due to elevated selenium levels. Because of the fish advisory no one should eat more than four ounces of croaker, orangemouth corvina, sargo, or tilapia taken from the Salton Sea in any two-week period.

There were a total of thirty-five fish tissue samples collected. When compared to the OEHHA 7400 ug/kg threshold for consumption, there were no exceedances.

There were a total of twenty-nine sediment samples collected. However, no evaluation guideline for the fraction of selenium associated with sediment could be found that protects human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters and meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because of this, Line of Evidence No. 30093 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. At a minimum, the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has issued a Fish Advisory for the Salton Sea due to selenium concentration in fish tissue. According to Section 4.4 of the Listing Policy the water quality impairment shall not be removed until the health advisory used to list the water segment has been removed.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 6329, Selenium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30093
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of Selenium for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. An extra sample was collected and analyzed from the Salton Sea GS9 sampling location in September of 2002. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6329, Selenium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5430
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 35
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-five fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 8/1985 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Fish Contaminant Goal of 7400 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 2008).
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish samples were generally collected from 6/1984 through 11/2000. Fish samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty five fish fillet samples of bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, tilapia, and sargo were collected.Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1984-87, (4)1991, 1997, and 1999. Six orangemouth corvine single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (6)1986. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in year (2)1995. Nine tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985,1987, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Three sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Field procedures described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. Used CDFG's Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6329, Selenium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4395
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 6329, Selenium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 23499
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish whole body
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples:
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A fish consumption advisory has been established for selenium in the Salton Sea by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than four ounces of croaker, orangemouth corvina, sargo, or tilapia taken from the Salton Sea in any two-week period.
Data Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: A fish consumption advisory has been established for selenium in the Salton Sea by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. Because of elevated selenium levels, no one should eat more than four ounces of croaker, orangemouth corvina, sargo, or tilapia taken from the Salton Sea in any two-week period.
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume good Quality Control
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
17407
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane | 1,1-Dichloropropene | 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) | 1,3-Dichloropropane | 2,2-Dichloropropane | Bromochloromethane | Chloroform | Ethylene dibromide | Methylene bromide (Dibromomethane)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Chloroform, Methylene Bromide, Bromochloromethane, Ethylene Dibromide, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,2,3,-Trichloropropane, 1,2-Dibromo 3-Chloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, and 1,1-Dichloropropene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chloroform, Methylene Bromide, Bromochloromethane, Ethylene Dibromide, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,2,3,-Trichloropropane, 1,2-Dibromo 3-Chloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, or 1,1-Dichloropropene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chloroform, Methylene Bromide, Bromochloromethane, Ethylene Dibromide, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,2,3,-Trichloropropane, 1,2-Dibromo 3-Chloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, or 1,1-Dichloropropene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17407, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29896
 
Pollutant: 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane | 1,1-Dichloropropene | 1,2,3-Trichloropropane | 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) | 1,3-Dichloropropane | 2,2-Dichloropropane | Bromochloromethane | Chloroform | Ethylene dibromide | Methylene bromide (Dibromomethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-one water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at six locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chloroform, Methylene Bromide, Bromochloromethane, Ethylene Dibromide, 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane, 1,2,3,-Trichloropropane, 1,2-Dibromo 3-Chloropropane, 1,3-Dichloropropane, 2,2-Dichloropropane, or 1,1-Dichloropropene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-one water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The location Salton Sea NW1 was sampled in May and September of 2002. The sampling location NW2 was samples in April and November of 2003, and May of 2004. The sampling location GS3 was only sampled once in October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8437
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8437, 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5084
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 11 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8488
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8488, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8438
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,1-Dichloroethylene (DCE)/ Vinylidene Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 25 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8438, 1,1-Dichloroethylene (DCE)/ Vinylidene Chloride
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5095
 
Pollutant: 1,1-Dichloroethylene (DCE)/ Vinylidene Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-five water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 3.2 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-five water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17430
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene | Chloroethane | Dichlorodifluoromethane | Methyl chloride (Chloromethane) | cis-1,3-Dichloropropene | trans-1,3-Dichloropropene
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Methyl Chloride, Chloroethane Dichlorodifluoromethane, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, and 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Methyl Chloride, Chloroethane Dichlorodifluoromethane, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, or 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Methyl Chloride, Chloroethane Dichlorodifluoromethane, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, or 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17430, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29919
 
Pollutant: 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene | Chloroethane | Dichlorodifluoromethane | Methyl chloride (Chloromethane) | cis-1,3-Dichloropropene | trans-1,3-Dichloropropene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four water quality samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002 at four locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Methyl Chloride, Chloroethane Dichlorodifluoromethane, cis-1,3-Dichloropropene, trans-1,3-Dichloropropene, or 1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Four water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in May of 2002 from the Salton Sea NW1, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17405
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene | Bromobenzene | Cumene | n-Butylbenzene | n-Propylbenzene | sec-Butylbenzene | tert-Butylbenzene
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Bromobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethybenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Cumene, n-Propylbenzene, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, and tert-Butylbenzene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Bromobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethybenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Cumene, n-Propylbenzene, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, or tert-Butylbenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Bromobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethybenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Cumene, n-Propylbenzene, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, or tert-Butylbenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17405, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29894
 
Pollutant: 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene | Bromobenzene | Cumene | n-Butylbenzene | n-Propylbenzene | sec-Butylbenzene | tert-Butylbenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-one water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at six locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Bromobenzene, 1,2,4-Trimethybenzene, 1,3,5-Trimethylbenzene, Cumene, n-Propylbenzene, n-Butylbenzene, sec-Butylbenzene, or tert-Butylbenzene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-one water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The location Salton Sea NW1 was sampled in May and September of 2002. The sampling location NW2 was samples in April and November of 2003, and May of 2004. The sampling location GS3 was only sampled once in October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8482
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,2-Dichloroethane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8482, 1,2-Dichloroethane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8483
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1,2-Dichloropropane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8483, 1,2-Dichloropropane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17410
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylnaphthalene | 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene | 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene | 2-Methylnaphthalene | Acenaphthylene | 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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, and 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene or the sediment fractions of Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene or the sediment fractions of Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17410, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29899
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylnaphthalene | 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene | 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene | 2-Methylnaphthalene | Acenaphthylene | Naphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17410, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30080
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylnaphthalene | 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene | 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene | 2-Methylnaphthalene | Acenaphthylene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Acenaphthylene, 1-Methylnaphthalene, 2-Methynaphthalene, 2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene, or 2,3,5-Trimethylnaphthalene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17409
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylphenanthrene | 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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Phenanthrene, and 1-Methylphenanthrene consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Phenanthrene, or 1-Methylphenanthrene or the sediment fraction of 1-Methylphenanthrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Phenanthrene, or 1-Methylphenanthrene or the sediment fraction of 1-Methylphenanthrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17409, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30079
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylphenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of 1-Methylphenanthrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17409, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29898
 
Pollutant: 1-Methylphenanthrene | Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Phenanthrene, or 1-Methylphenanthrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17406
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 2-Chlorotoluene | 4-Chlorotoluene | p-Cymene (p-Isopropyltoluene)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess 2-Chlorotoluene, 4-Chlorotoluene, and p-Cymene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of 2-Chlorotoluene, 4-Chlorotoluene, or p-Cymene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of 2-Chlorotoluene, 4-Chlorotoluene, or p-Cymene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17406, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29895
 
Pollutant: 2-Chlorotoluene | 4-Chlorotoluene | p-Cymene (p-Isopropyltoluene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-one water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at six locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of 2-Chlorotoluene, 4-Chlorotoluene, or p-Cymene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-one water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The location Salton Sea NW1 was sampled in May and September of 2002. The sampling location NW2 was samples in April and November of 2003, and May of 2004. The sampling location GS3 was only sampled once in October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17432
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: 2-Hexanone | Acetone | Methyl ethyl ketone (2-Butanone) | Methyl isobutyl ketone (Methyl-2-Pentanone)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, 2-Hexanone, and Methyl Ethyl Ketone consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, 2-Hexanone, or Methyl Ethyl Ketone for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, 2-Hexanone, or Methyl Ethyl Ketone for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17432, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29921
 
Pollutant: 2-Hexanone | Acetone | Methyl ethyl ketone (2-Butanone) | Methyl isobutyl ketone (Methyl-2-Pentanone)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four water quality samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002 at four locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Acetone, Methyl Isobutyl Ketone, 2-Hexanone, or Methyl Ethyl Ketone for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Four water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in May of 2002 from the Salton Sea NW1, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8439
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8439, Acenaphthene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17444
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Dichlorobenzophenone | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Acenaphthene, pp-DCBP, and Indeno(1,2,3,c,d)Pyrene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Acenaphthene, pp-DCBP, or Indeno(1,2,3,c,d)Pyrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Acenaphthene, pp-DCBP, or Indeno(1,2,3,c,d)Pyrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17444, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30096
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Dichlorobenzophenone | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Acenaphthene, pp-DCBP, or Indeno(1,2,3,c,d)Pyrene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8458
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Line of Evidence No. 4875 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. One of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting aquatic life uses. One of 1 water sample exceeded California Toxics Rule criteria protecting human health when consuming organisms from this water. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the NAS fish tissue guidelines. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8458, Aldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8458, Aldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4875
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water samples were taken at eight locations on the sea. Thirty-five water sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentration. The one acceptable water sample, collected from the Northwest section of the Salton Sea near Mecca, Ca (NW2) on 5/13/2002, exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 0.00014 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8458, Aldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5570
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
17443
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlorpyrifos | Diazinon | Toxaphene
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Toxaphene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, or Toxaphene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, or Toxaphene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17443, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30095
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlorpyrifos | Diazinon | Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aldrin, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, or Toxaphene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17441
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Aluminum | Manganese | Silver
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Aluminum, Manganese, and Silver consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aluminum, Manganese, or Silver for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aluminum, Manganese, or Silver for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17441, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30092
 
Pollutant: Aluminum | Manganese | Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Aluminum, Manganese, or Silver for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17422
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Ametryn | Prometryn | Simetryn | Terbutryn
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Ametryn, Prometryn, Simetryn, and Terbutryn consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ametryn, Prometryn, Simetryn, or Terbutryn for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ametryn, Prometryn, Simetryn, or Terbutryn for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17422, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29910
 
Pollutant: Ametryn | Prometryn | Simetryn | Terbutryn
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ametryn, Prometryn, Simetryn, or Terbutryn for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. Samples were not collected in November of 2003. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8446
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8446, Anthracene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17437
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Anthracene | Benzo[a]anthracene | Dibenz[a,h]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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Anthracene, Benz(a)Anthracene, and Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Anthracene, Benz(a)Anthracene, or Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Anthracene, Benz(a)Anthracene, or Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17437, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30088
 
Pollutant: Anthracene | Benzo[a]anthracene | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Anthracene, Benz(a)Anthracene, or Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17423
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Atroton | Prometon (Prometone) | Secbumeton
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Atroton, Prometon, and Secbumeton consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Atroton, Prometon, or Secbumeton for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Atroton, Prometon, or Secbumeton for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17423, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29911
 
Pollutant: Atroton | Prometon (Prometone) | Secbumeton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Atroton, Prometon, or Secbumeton for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. Samples were not collected in November of 2003. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17414
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Azinphos, Ethyl (Ethyl Guthion) | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Azinphos, methyl, and Azinphos, ethyl consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Azinphos, methyl, or Azinphos, ethyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Azinphos, methyl, or Azinphos, ethyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17414, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29902
 
Pollutant: Azinphos, Ethyl (Ethyl Guthion) | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Azinphos, methyl, or Azinphos, ethyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8475
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Benzene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8475, Benzene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5094
 
Pollutant: Benzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 71 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8456
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8456, Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4965
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at 8 locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) of 1450 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8456, Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17421
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Benzo(e)Pyrene (4,5-benzopyrene) | Benzo[g,h,i]perylene | Biphenyl | Terbufos
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, Biphenyl, and Terbufos consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, Biphenyl, or Terbufos or the sediment fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, or Biphenyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, Biphenyl, or Terbufos or the sediment fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, or Biphenyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17421, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30085
 
Pollutant: Benzo(e)Pyrene (4,5-benzopyrene) | Benzo[g,h,i]perylene | Biphenyl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, or Biphenyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17421, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29908
 
Pollutant: Benzo(e)Pyrene (4,5-benzopyrene) | Benzo[g,h,i]perylene | Biphenyl | Terbufos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Benzo(g,h,i)Perylene, Benzo(e)Pyrene, Biphenyl, or Terbufos for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8447
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8447, Benzo[a]anthracene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8453
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Benzo[b]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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8453, Benzo[b]fluoranthene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17438
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Benzo(b)Fluoranthene, and Benzo(k)Fluoranthene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Benzo(b)Fluoranthene, or Benzo(k)Fluoranthene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Benzo(b)Fluoranthene, or Benzo(k)Fluoranthene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17438, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30089
 
Pollutant: Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Benzo(b)Fluoranthene, or Benzo(k)Fluoranthene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8454
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Benzo[k]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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8454, Benzo[k]fluoranthene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17418
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Bolstar | Chlordane | Ciodrin | Dacthal | Demeton s | Dichlorvos | Dimethoate | Disulfoton | Endrin Ketone | Ethoprop | Famphur | Mirex | Naled | Oxadiazon
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Chlordane, Bolstar, Ciodrin, Dacthal, Demeton s, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Endrin Ketone, Ethoprop, Famphur, Mirex, Naled, and Oxadiazon consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlordane, Bolstar, Ciodrin, Dacthal, Demeton s, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Endrin Ketone, Ethoprop, Famphur, Mirex, Naled, or Oxadiazon or the sediment fractions of Dacthal, Mirex, or Oxadiazon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlordane, Bolstar, Ciodrin, Dacthal, Demeton s, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Endrin Ketone, Ethoprop, Famphur, Mirex, Naled, or Oxadiazon or the sediment fractions of Dacthal, Mirex, or Oxadiazon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17418, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29905
 
Pollutant: Bolstar | Chlordane | Ciodrin | Dacthal | Demeton s | Dichlorvos | Dimethoate | Disulfoton | Endrin Ketone | Ethoprop | Famphur | Mirex | Naled | Oxadiazon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlordane, Bolstar, Ciodrin, Dacthal, Demeton s, Dichlorvos, Dimethoate, Disulfoton, Endrin Ketone, Ethoprop, Famphur, Mirex, Naled, or Oxadiazon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17418, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30083
 
Pollutant: Dacthal | Mirex | Oxadiazon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Dacthal, Mirex, or Oxadiazon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8477
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Bromoform
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8477, Bromoform
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8463
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 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. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 8 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline. None of 49 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8463, Cadmium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5287
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen sediment quality samples were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/1998 and 10/2001. Out of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 4.98 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were in 1998, 1 sample was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 5 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8463, Cadmium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8463, Cadmium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5078
 
Pollutant: Cadmium | Lead | Nickel | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8463, Cadmium
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5507
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thiry-five fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-seven fish fillet sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample were not analyzed for the analyte. The 8 fish fillet samples that were acceptable were generally collected from 8/1985 through 11/2000 at two locations. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 3 mg/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 6/1984 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty five fish fillet samples of bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, tilapia, and sargo were collected.Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1984-87, (4)1991, 1997, and 1999. Six orangemouth corvine single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (6)1986. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in year (2)1995. Nine tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985,1987, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Three sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
17445
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Carbon (organic)
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess organic Carbon consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved sediment fraction of organic Carbon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of organic Carbon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17445, Carbon (organic)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30097
 
Pollutant: Carbon (organic)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of Organic Carbon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. An extra sample was collected and analyzed from the Salton Sea GS9 sampling location in September of 2002. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8491
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Carbon tetrachloride
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 25 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8491, Carbon tetrachloride
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5096
 
Pollutant: Carbon tetrachloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-five water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 4.4 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-five water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17412
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Carbophenothion | Dichlofenthion | Dioxathion | Ethion | Fenitrothion | Fensulfothion | Fenthion | Malathion | Methidathion | Methyl Parathion | Parathion | Tokuthion
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Ethion, Carbophenothion, Dichlofenthion, Dioxathion, Parathion, Fenitrothion, Fensulfothion, Fenthion, Malathion, Methidathion, Methyl Parathion, and Tokuthion consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ethion, Carbophenothion, Dichlofenthion, Dioxathion, Parathion, Fenitrothion, Fensulfothion, Fenthion, Malathion, Methidathion, Methyl Parathion, or Tokuthion or the sediment fractions of Parathion, or Methyl Parathion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ethion, Carbophenothion, Dichlofenthion, Dioxathion, Parathion, Fenitrothion, Fensulfothion, Fenthion, Malathion, Methidathion, Methyl Parathion, or Tokuthion or the sediment fractions of Parathion, or Methyl Parathion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17412, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30081
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion | Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Parathion, or Methyl Parathion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17412, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29900
 
Pollutant: Carbophenothion | Dichlofenthion | Dioxathion | Ethion | Fenitrothion | Fensulfothion | Fenthion | Malathion | Methidathion | Methyl Parathion | Parathion | Tokuthion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Ethion, Carbophenothion, Dichlofenthion, Dioxathion, Parathion, Fenitrothion, Fensulfothion, Fenthion, Malathion, Methidathion, Methyl Parathion, or Tokuthion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8459
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 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. Line of Evidence No. 5512 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. None of 5 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline. None of 1 sediment sample exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8459, Chlordane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5512
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 17.6 ug/g for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment sample was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8459, Chlordane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5578
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8459, Chlordane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8459, Chlordane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5495
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-six fish sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentration. The 5 acceptabe fish fillet samples were generally collected from 5/1981 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Fish Contaminant Goal of 5.6 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 2008).
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
17415
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Chlorfenvinphos | Chlorpyrifos, methyl | Cuomaphos | Dicrotophos | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | Fenchlorphos | Leptophos | Merphos | Mevinphos | Tetrachlorvinphos
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Chlorfenvinphos, Cuomaphos, Dicrotophos, Fenchchlorphos, Dyfonate, Leptophos, Merphos, Mevinphos, Tetrachlorvinphos, and Chlorpyrifos Methyl consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlorfenvinphos, Cuomaphos, Dicrotophos, Fenchchlorphos, Dyfonate, Leptophos, Merphos, Mevinphos, Tetrachlorvinphos, or Chlorpyrifos Methyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlorfenvinphos, Cuomaphos, Dicrotophos, Fenchchlorphos, Dyfonate, Leptophos, Merphos, Mevinphos, Tetrachlorvinphos, or Chlorpyrifos Methyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17415, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29903
 
Pollutant: Chlorfenvinphos | Chlorpyrifos, methyl | Cuomaphos | Dicrotophos | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | Fenchlorphos | Leptophos | Merphos | Mevinphos | Tetrachlorvinphos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Chlorfenvinphos, Cuomaphos, Dicrotophos, Fenchchlorphos, Dyfonate, Leptophos, Merphos, Mevinphos, Tetrachlorvinphos, or Chlorpyrifos Methyl for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8478
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Chlorobenzene (mono)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8478, Chlorobenzene (mono)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8464
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 50 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8464, Chromium (total)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5077
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) of 1724 ug/l for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8464, Chromium (total)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8464, Chromium (total)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5244
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fourteen sediment quality samples were taken at 11 locations in the Salton Sea, generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Of these total samples , none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 111 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115380001 in Alamo River Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Fourteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were collected in 1998, 1 samples was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 6 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
 
DECISION ID
8465
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8465, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8465, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8466
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded either the California Toxcis Rule or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service criteria. None of 49 sediment samples exceeded sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8466, Copper
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5099
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the USFWS Biological Effects Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Effects Criteria for the protection of aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 0.25 mg/l Arsenic, and 15 mg/l Copper (USDOI, 1998).
Guideline Reference: Guidelines for Interpretation of the Biological Effect of Selected Constituents in Biota, Water, and Sediment. US Department of Interior report.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8466, Copper
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8466, Copper
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5288
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen sediment quality samples were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/1998 and 10/2001. Out of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 149 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were in 1998, 1 sample was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 5 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8466, Copper
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4949
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thiry-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8492
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
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
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. This line of evidence received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. This sample exceeded 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. One of 1 sediment sample exceeded the sediment quality guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8492, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5431
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample exceeded the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 31.3 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .The exceedence was found in the sample collected on 12/10/1987.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8434
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

There were a total of fifty-eight water samples collected. No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of Diazinon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in salt waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision based on water data.

There were a total of thirty-one fish tissue samples collected. When compared to the OEHHA 300 ug/kg threshold for consumption, there were no exceedances.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of Diazinon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in salt waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
4. None out of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment fish tissue evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8434, Diazinon
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4807
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-two water samples were collected every few weeks from 8/28/1996 through 4/15/1997 at three locations in the Salton Sea (CDPR, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for pesticides in water samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. Mar. 1993-Jun. 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRRWQCB,2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fraction of Diazinon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in salt waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from three sites in Salton Sea near the mouth of the Alamo River. The sites were approximately 0.14, 0.14, and 0.25 mi. offshore.
Temporal Representation: Twenty two water samples were collected. The samples were collected every few weeks from 8/28/1996 through 4/15/1997 at three sites in the Salton Sea near the Alamo River mouth.
Environmental Conditions: The samples were collected every few weeks from August through November 1996 and from February through April 1997 to coincide with the pesticide application periods in the Imperial Valley (autumn and late winter/early spring) (Crepeau et al, 2002).
QAPP Information: Investigators used USGS QA/QC in sample collection and analysis. Lab analysis was done by the USGS California District Organic Chemistry Laboratory in Sacramento, California (Crepeau, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): “Dissolved Pesticides in the Alamo River and the Salton Sea, California, 1996-97.” United States Geological Survey. Sacramento, CA. Open file report No. 02-232. http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/of/ofr02232/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8434, Diazinon
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5497
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 300 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8434, Diazinon
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4954
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at 8 locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of Diazinon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in salt waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8448
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8448, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17427
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Dibenzothiophene
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
 
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 these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Dibenzothiophene consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of Dibenzothiophene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of Dibenzothiophene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17427, Dibenzothiophene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29915
 
Pollutant: Dibenzothiophene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty water quality samples were collected and analyzed from 10/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fraction of Dibenzothiophene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in October of 2002 from all eight sampling locations. Additional samples were collect from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations in April and November of 2003, and May of 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17427, Dibenzothiophene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30087
 
Pollutant: Dibenzothiophene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of Dibenzothiophene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8476
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Dichlorobromomethane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8476, Dichlorobromomethane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5093
 
Pollutant: Dichlorobromomethane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 46 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8494
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Dichloromethane
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 4 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8494, Dichloromethane
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5098
 
Pollutant: Dichloromethane | Methyl bromide | Vinyl chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually in 5/2002 at four locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents:4000 ug/l Methyl Bromide, 16000 ug/l Dichloromethane, and 525 ug/l Vinyl Chloride (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Four water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8460
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Line of Evidence Nos. 4877, 5428, and 5515 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in each line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. Since they are assessing the same standard, the results of Line of Evidence No. 5515 will be combined with the results from Line of Evidence No. 5109 in the Final Use Rating. Two of the samples exceed the water quality objectives.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting aquatic life uses. One of 1 water sample exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting human health when consuming organism from this water. One of 1 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. None of 37 sediment samples exceeded sediment quality guidelines. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4877
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water samples were taken at eight locations on the sea. Thirty-five water sample results could not be used because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentration. The one acceptible water quality sample, collected on 5/24/2004, was from one location in the Salton Sea (GS9). This sample exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 0.00014 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. The exceedence was found in a sample collected from 5/24/04.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5428
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Thirty fish fillet samples could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentrations. The 1 fish fillet samples that was acceptable was collected on 5/30/1991. Of these total samples, 1 fish fillet sample collected at one location exceeded the OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal. At the Salton Sea North location an exceedance was found in 1 sargo fillet composite sample collected on 5/30/1991 (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Fish Contaminant Goal of 0.46 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 20008).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
  Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991. The exceedance was found in a sample collected on 5/30/1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5515
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 61.8 ug/g for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8460, Dieldrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5597
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected rom 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8445
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded either the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment or National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guidelines. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8445, Endosulfan
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5498
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 20,000 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8445, Endosulfan
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5604
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8444
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan sulfate
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8444, Endosulfan sulfate
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17439
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan sulfate | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, and Endosulfan Sulfate consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, or Endosulfan Sulfate for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, or Endosulfan Sulfate for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17439, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30090
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan sulfate | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Endosulfan 1, Endosulfan 2, or Endosulfan Sulfate for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8449
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Line of Evidence No. 5516 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. Since they are assessing the same standard, the results of Line of Evidence No. 5516 will be combined with the results from Line of Evidence No. 5109 in the Final Use Rating. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded California Toxics Rule criteria protecting either aquatic life uses, or human health when consuming organisms from this water. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded either the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment or National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guidelines. None of 37 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5516
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 207 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5499
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 1000 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8449, Endrin
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5612
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8450
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Endrin aldehyde
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8450, Endrin aldehyde
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8497
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 24 water samples exceeded Basin Plan E. coli water quaity objectives and these do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8497, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5114
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 11/2003 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the Basin Plan Objective (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan:In waters designated for noncontact water recreation (REC II) the maximum allowable E. coli density is 2000 MPN/ 100 ml (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 10/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8497, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5111
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 11/2003 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the Basin Plan Objective (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan:In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I) the maximum allowable E. coli density is 400 MPN/ 100 ml (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 10/2004 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8498
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Ethion
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8498, Ethion
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5500
 
Pollutant: Ethion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 2000 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8484
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Ethylbenzene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8484, Ethylbenzene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8451
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8451, Fluoranthene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8451, Fluoranthene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8452
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8452, Fluorene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8452, Fluorene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8461
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8461, Heptachlor
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5622
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8461, Heptachlor
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8462
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 6 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue criteria. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8462, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5630
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8462, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5501
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-five fish fillet samples could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentrations. The 6 fish fillet samples that were acceptable were generally collected from 11/1998 through 11/2000 collected at two locations. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 4 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8462, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17440
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Heptachlor, and Heptachlor Epoxide consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Heptachlor, or Heptachlor Epoxide for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Heptachlor, or Heptachlor Epoxide for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17440, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30091
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Heptachlor, or Heptachlor Epoxide for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8499
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8499, Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5502
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 20 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
17442
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Methoxychlor | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH)
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, Hexachlorobenzene, and Methoxychlor consistent with Listing Policy section 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, Hexachlorobenzene, or Methoxychlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, Hexachlorobenzene, or Methoxychlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17442, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30094
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Methoxychlor | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, Hexachlorobenzene, or Methoxychlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8485
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobutadiene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8485, Hexachlorobutadiene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8469
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (mixture)
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8469, Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (mixture)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 6731
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (mixture)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
17433
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Hydroxide | Pheophytin 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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.7.1 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Hydroxide, or Pheophytin a consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.7.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Hydroxide, or Pheophytin a for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Hydroxide, or Pheophytin a for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17433, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29922
 
Pollutant: Hydroxide | Pheophytin a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for Hydroxide, or Pheophytin a for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Eight water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in May of 2002 from all eight sampling locations.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8457
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Indeno[1,2,3-cd]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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 28 water samples exceeded the Caifornia Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8457, Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5092
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Benzo[a]anthracene | Benzo[b]fluoranthene | Benzo[k]fluoranthene | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene | Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Anthracene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[a]Pyrene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[b]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Benzo[k]Fluoranthene, 0.049 ug/l Chrysene, 0.049 ug/l Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene, and 0.049 ug/l Indeno(1,2,3-cd) Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8467
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 49 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8467, Lead
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 6116
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen sediment quality samples were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/1998 and 10/2001. Out of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 128 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were in 1998, 1 sample was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 5 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8467, Lead
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5078
 
Pollutant: Cadmium | Lead | Nickel | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8467, Lead
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8468
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.5 and 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. Line of Evidence No. 5517 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. Since they are assessing the same standard, the results of Line of Evidence No. 5517 will be combined with the results from Line of Evidence No. 5109 in the Final Use Rating. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences or Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guidelines. None of 37 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8468, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 6739
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8468, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5517
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 4.99 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8468, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8468, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5503
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 30 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8435
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Low Dissolved Oxygen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 out of five water samples exceeded the Basin Plan 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8435, Low Dissolved Oxygen
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5236
 
Pollutant: Low Dissolved Oxygen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Five water quality measurements were taken at 5 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/20/1998 and 7/22/1998. Out of these total measurements, 3 exceeded the Basin Plan Objective. The exceedences were found in measurements collected from 7/20/1998 through 7/21/1998 at 3 locations in the sea, near center of South Basin, between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, and in San Felipe Creek Delta (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below the following minimum levels at any time: Water designated WARM 5 mg/l (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Measurements were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, and USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta.
Temporal Representation: Five measurements were collected in 7/98. The exceedences were found in measurements collected from 7/20/1998 through 7/21/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
 
DECISION ID
8470
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

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 38 water samples exceeded the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria protecting aquatic life uses. None of 34 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criteria protecting human health when consuming organisms from this water. None of 15 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline. None of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8470, Mercury
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 31110
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Fish fillet
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fish were collected for tissue analysis at four locations from the Salton Sea. A total of 4 sample composites were generated from one species: Tilapia. Details of the compositing protocol can be found in the March 2009 report entitled: "Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Study" (SWAMP, 2009). A total of 0 out of 4 samples exceeded the OHHEA fish tissue screening value for human health.
Data Reference: Data associated with report entitled: Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Survey. A Report of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA
  Contaminants in Fish from California Lakes and Reservoirs: Technical Report on Year One of a Two-Year Screening Survey. A Report of the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). California State Water Resources Control Board, Sacramento, CA
  Cruise Report for the Surface Waters Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Bioaccumulation Screening Study in California Lakes and Reservoirs, Sampling Dates: June 2007- March 2008
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 0.3 mg/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from four locations in the Salton Sea. As discussed in the Lakes and Reservoirs Report (SWAMP, 2009), individual sample locations consisted of an area within a given waterbody with an approximate one-mile diameter, from which multiple fish tissue samples were collected. The number of sample locations per waterbody was based on the overall size of the waterbody. Specifics of individual sampling locations can be found in the supplemental report entitled "Cruise Report for the Surface Waters Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Bioaccumulation Screening Study in California Lakes and Reservoirs, Sampling Dates: June 2007- March 2008" (SWAMP, 2008).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on 10/30/07
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected, processed, and analyzed in accordance with the methods described in "Quality Assurance Project Plan Screening Study of Bioaccumulation in California Lakes and Reservoirs." (SWAMP, 2008).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan Screening Study of Bioaccumulation in California Lakes and Reservoirs. Moss Landing Marine Labs. Prepared for SWAMP BOG, 49 pages plus appendices and attachments
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8470, Mercury
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5564
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-five fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-four fish fillet sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample were not analyzed for the analyte. The 11 fish fillet samples that were acceptable were generally collected from 8/1985 through 11/2000 at two locations. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 0.3 mg/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 6/1984 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty five fish fillet samples of bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, tilapia, and sargo were collected.Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1984-87, (4)1991, 1997, and 1999. Six orangemouth corvine single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (6)1986. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in year (2)1995. Nine tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985,1987, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Three sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8470, Mercury
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8470, Mercury
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5080
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NRWQC Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (NRWQC) Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) of 1.4 ug/l for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses (USEPA, 2002).
Objective/Criterion Reference: National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8470, Mercury
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5087
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria 0.051 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8495
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Methyl bromide
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 4 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8495, Methyl bromide
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5098
 
Pollutant: Dichloromethane | Methyl bromide | Vinyl chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually in 5/2002 at four locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents:4000 ug/l Methyl Bromide, 16000 ug/l Dichloromethane, and 525 ug/l Vinyl Chloride (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Four water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8471
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment qualty guidelines 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8471, Naphthalene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8472
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting either aquatic life uses, or human health when consuming organisms from this water. None of 50 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8472, Nickel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8472, Nickel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5086
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria 4600 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8472, Nickel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5078
 
Pollutant: Cadmium | Lead | Nickel | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8472, Nickel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5245
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fourteen sediment quality samples were taken at 11 locations in the Salton Sea, generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Of these total samples , none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 48.6 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115380001 in Alamo River Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Fourteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were collected in 1998, 1 samples was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 6 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
 
DECISION ID
17419
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Oxychlordane | Perylene (Dibenz(de,kl)anthracene) | Phorate | Phosmet | Phosphamidon | Sulfotep | Tedion | Thionazin | Trichlorfon | Trichloronate
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Oxychlordane, Perylene, Phorate, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Sulfotep, Tedion, Thionazin, Trichloronate, and Trichlorfon consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, Phorate, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Sulfotep, Tedion, Thionazin, Trichloronate, or Trichlorfon or the sediment fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, or Tedion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, Phorate, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Sulfotep, Tedion, Thionazin, Trichloronate, or Trichlorfon or the sediment fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, or Tedion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17419, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30084
 
Pollutant: Oxychlordane | Perylene (Dibenz(de,kl)anthracene) | Tedion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, or Tedion for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17419, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29907
 
Pollutant: Oxychlordane | Perylene (Dibenz(de,kl)anthracene) | Phorate | Phosmet | Phosphamidon | Sulfotep | Tedion | Thionazin | Trichlorfon | Trichloronate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Oxychlordane, Perylene, Phorate, Phosmet, Phosphamidon, Sulfotep, Tedion, Thionazin, Trichloronate, or Trichlorfon for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8473
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.5 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Line of Evidence No. 5518 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. Since they are assessing the same standard, the results of Line of Evidence No. 5518 will be combined with the results from Line of Evidence No. 5109 in the Final Use Rating. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. None of 37 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8473, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5642
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 500 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8473, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5518
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 676 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8473, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8474
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8474, Phenanthrene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17424
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Propazine | Terbuthylazine
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess Propazine, and Terbuthylazine consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Propazine, or Terbuthylazine for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Propazine, or Terbuthylazine for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17424, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29912
 
Pollutant: Propazine | Terbuthylazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of Propazine, or Terbuthylazine for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. Samples were not collected in November of 2003. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8455
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria, and none of 36 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8455, Pyrene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8455, Pyrene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8501
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Silver
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8501, Silver
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5079
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17426
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Streptococcus, fecal
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess fecal Streptococcus consistent with Listing Policy section 3.3.

No evaluation guideline for the total density of fecal Streptococcus for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guideline for the total density of fecal Streptococcus for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17426, Streptococcus, fecal
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29914
 
Pollutant: Streptococcus, fecal
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty water quality samples were collected and analyzed from 5/2002 through 11/2003 at six locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for Streptococcus for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in May and October of 2002 from all six sampling locations. Additional samples were collect from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations in April and November of 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8486
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Tetrachloroethylene/PCE
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8486, Tetrachloroethylene/PCE
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8487
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Toluene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8487, Toluene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17425
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel
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
 
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 these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1. Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel is used to refer to the dissolved fractions of Diesel Range Organics.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17425, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29913
 
Pollutant: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 11/2003 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fractions of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel, used to refer to the dissolved fractions of Diesel Range Organics (dro), for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 11/203 from the Salton Sea GS2, and GS7 locations. Samples were collected and analyzed from Salton Sea NW2 and GS9 in September of 2002, and April and November of 2003. The sampling locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002. The sampling locations Salton Sea GS3 and GS5 were sampled once in May of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17425, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30086
 
Pollutant: Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-three sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 11/2003 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons as Diesel, used to refer to the dissolved fractions of Diesel Range Organics (dro), for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-three sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 11/2003 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8502
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 6 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline. None of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the National Academy of Sciences fish tissue guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8502, Toxaphene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5654
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 100 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8502, Toxaphene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5505
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-five fish fillet samples could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentrations. The 6 fish fillet samples that were acceptable were generally collected from 11/1998 through 11/2000 collected at two locations. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 30 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8489
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Trichloroethylene/TCE
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8489, Trichloroethylene/TCE
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8496
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Vinyl chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 4 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8496, Vinyl chloride
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5098
 
Pollutant: Dichloromethane | Methyl bromide | Vinyl chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually in 5/2002 at four locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents:4000 ug/l Methyl Bromide, 16000 ug/l Dichloromethane, and 525 ug/l Vinyl Chloride (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Four water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in 5/2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8490
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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.

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

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria. None of 49 sediment samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8490, Zinc
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5289
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen sediment quality samples were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/1998 and 10/2001. Out of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 459 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were in 1998, 1 sample was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 5 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8490, Zinc
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5078
 
Pollutant: Cadmium | Lead | Nickel | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Hardness Dependent Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, and Zinc (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8490, Zinc
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4970
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at 8 locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) of 459 mg/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005. Samples were usually collected in May and October. Samples were not collected from each site every sampling event.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17413
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: alpha-Chlordene | gama-Chlordene
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess alpha-Chlordene, and gamma-Chlordene consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of alpha-Chlordene, or gamma-Chlordene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of alpha-Chlordene, or gamma-Chlordene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17413, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29901
 
Pollutant: alpha-Chlordene | gama-Chlordene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of alpha-Chlordene, or gamma-Chlordene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17413, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30082
 
Pollutant: alpha-Chlordene | gama-Chlordene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of alpha-Chlordene, or gamma-Chlordene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8442
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting either aquatic life uses, or human health when consuming organisms from this water. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8442, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8442, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8440
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8440, alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8441
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8441, beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8443
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 36 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria protecting either aquatic life uses, or human health when consuming organisms from this water. These do 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8443, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8443, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5088
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene | Anthracene | Endosulfan sulfate | Endrin | Endrin aldehyde | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Pyrene | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | alpha.-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or alpha-HCH) | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 2700 ug/l Acenaphthene, 0.014 ug/l alpha-BHC, 240 ug/l alpha-Endosulfan, 110000 ug/l Anthracene, 0.046 ug/l beta-BHC, 240 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 240 ug/l Endosulfan Sulfate, 0.81 ug/l Endrin, 0.81 ug/l Endrin Aldehyde, 370 ug/l Fluoranthene, 14000 ug/l Fluorene, and 11000 ug/l Pyrene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17408
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: cis-Nonachlor | trans-Nonachlor
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess cis-Nonachlor, and trans-Nonachlor consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of cis-Nonachlor, or trans-Nonachlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of cis-Nonachlor, or trans-Nonachlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17408, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29897
 
Pollutant: cis-Nonachlor | trans-Nonachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of cis-Nonachlor, or trans-Nonachlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17408, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30078
 
Pollutant: cis-Nonachlor | trans-Nonachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the sediment fractions of cis-Nonachlor, or trans-Nonachlor for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May and October of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17404
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH)
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
 
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 these sections a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess delta-BHC consistent with Listing Policy sections 3.1 and 3.6.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of delta-BHC for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved or sediment fractions of delta-BHC for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17404, delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 30077
 
Pollutant: delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).).).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the sediment fraction of delta-BHC for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. No samples were collected from these locations in October of 2002. The Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 sampling locations were sampled in May of 2002 only.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 17404, delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29893
 
Pollutant: delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-seven water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of delta-BHC for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-seven water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, and GS5 were sampled in May and October of 2002. The location GS10 was only sampled once in September of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8479
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: m-Dichlorobenzene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8479, m-Dichlorobenzene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5091
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloroethane | 1,2-Dichloropropane | Bromoform | Chlorobenzene (mono) | Ethylbenzene | Hexachlorobutadiene | Tetrachloroethylene/PCE | Toluene | Trichloroethylene/TCE | m-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems were used for the following constituents: 360 ug/l Bromoform, 21000 ug/l Chlorobenzene, 2600 ug/l m-Dichlorobenzene, 99 ug/l 1,2-Dichloroethane, 39 ug/l 1,2-Dichloropropane, 29000 ug/l Ethylbenzene, 50 ug/l Hexachlorobutadiene, 8.85 ug/l Tetrachloroethylene, 200000 ug/l Toluene, 42 ug/l 1,1,2-Trichloroethane, and 81 ug/l Trichloroethylene (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17416
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: o,p'-DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | o,p’-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) | o,p’-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | p,p’-DDMU
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
 
Conclusion: These pollutants are being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, and p,p'-DDMU consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, or p,p'-DDMU for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, or p,p'-DDMU for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meet the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17416, Multiple Pollutants
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29904
 
Pollutant: o,p'-DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | o,p’-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) | o,p’-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | p,p’-DDMU
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-eight water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2004 at eight locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of o,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDT, or p,p'-DDMU for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-eight water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The locations Salton Sea NW1, GS3, GS5, and GS10 were sampled in May and October of 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8480
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: o-Dichlorobenzene
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8480, o-Dichlorobenzene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5097
 
Pollutant: o-Dichlorobenzene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 17000 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
17429
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: o-Xylene
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
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess o-Xylene consistent with Listing Policy section 3.1.

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of o-Xylene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. Because there are no appropriate evaluation guidelines, staff are unable to make a Listing decision.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing these water segment-pollutant combinations on the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of o-Xylene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 17429, o-Xylene
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 29917
 
Pollutant: o-Xylene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seventeen water quality samples were collected and analyzed from 10/2002 through 5/2004 at six locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2006).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin- Region 7. May 2002 - May 2004.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CRBRWQCB, 2006).

No evaluation guideline for the dissolved fraction of o-Xylene for the protection of human, animal or aquatic life in fresh waters could be found that met the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Seventeen water samples were collected. Water samples were collected and analyzed in October of 2002 from the Salton Sea NW1, GS2, GS3, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations. Additional samples were collect from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 sampling locations in April and November of 2003, and May of 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8493
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: p,p'-DDE
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
 
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. This line of evidence received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in the line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2. The sample exceeded 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. One of 1 sediment sample exceeded the sediment quality guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8493, p,p'-DDE
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4876
 
Pollutant: p,p'-DDE
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water samples were taken at eight locations on the Salton Sea. Thirty-five water sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample results were non-detect and the detection limit was above the criteria concentration. The one acceptable water sample, collected near the center of the Salton Sea (GS9) location on 4/10/2003, exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria of 0.00059 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8481
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: p-Dichlorobenzene (DCB)
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
 
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 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 29 water samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criteria 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8481, p-Dichlorobenzene (DCB)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5090
 
Pollutant: p-Dichlorobenzene (DCB)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 29
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-nine water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at six locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criteria 2600 ug/l for the protection of human health when consuming organisms from aquatic systems (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS9.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-nine water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8500
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
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
 
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. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

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 56 samples exceeded the Basin plan 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.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8500, pH
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5334
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-one water quality measurements were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, generally collected from 7/1998 through 9/2002. Of these total measurements , none exceeded the Basin Plan Objective (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Since the regional waters are somewhat alkaline, pH shall range from 6.0-9.0 (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Measurements were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-one measurements were collected. Measurements were collected from 7/1998 through 9/2002. Seven measurements were collected from 1998, no measurements were collected from 1999, no measurements were collected in 2000, 5 measurements were collected in 2001, and 9 measurements were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8500, pH
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4916
 
Pollutant: pH (high)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 35
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-five water quality measurements were generally collected biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005, at 8 locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total measurements, 3 exceeded the Basin Plan Objective. The exceedences were found in measurements collected on 4/10/2003, and 5/11/2005 from two different locations in the Salton Sea (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Since the regional waters are somewhat alkaline, pH shall range from 6.0-9.0 (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-five water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
8431
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

There were a total of thirty-six water samples collected. When compared to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 250 ug/l threshold for aquatic life, there were no exceedances. When compared to the CTR criteria of 340 ug/l threshold for aquatic life uses, there were no exceedances.

There were a total of thirty-five fish tissue samples collected. When compared to the OEHHA 1 ug/kg threshold for consumption there were 5 exceedances out of 9 acceptable fish tissue samples taken, in twenty-six fish tissue sample Arsenic was not measured.

There were a total of forty-eight sediment samples collected. When compared to the sediment quality guideline 33 mg/kg threshold, there were no exceedances.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. At a minimum, 5 out of 9 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline used to interpret the water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation 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 met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8431, Arsenic
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5286
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twelve sediment quality samples were taken at 10 locations in the Salton Sea, collected between 7/1998 and 10/2001. Out of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC Criteria (USGS, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentration (PEC) Criteria 33 mg/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (MacDonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following Salton Sea locations: USGS Station No. 333006116031501 near the mouth of the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332958116023501 in the Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel Delta, USGS Station No. 332908116011501 between North Basin and Coachella Valley Storm Water Channel, USGS Station No. 332637115512001 in Salt Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 331400115450001 near center of South Basin, USGS Station No. 331215115410001 between South Basin and New and Alamo River Deltas, USGS Station No. 330835115434501 in New River Delta, USGS Station No. 331023115473701 in San Felipe Creek Delta, USGS Station No. 330803115414001 near the mouth of New River, and USGS Station No. 331242115371401 near the mouth of Alamo River.
Temporal Representation: Twelve samples were collected. Samples were generally collected from 7/1998 through 10/2001. Seven samples were in 1998, 1 sample was collected in 1999, no samples were collected in 2000, and 5 samples were collected in 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Assume samplers used standard USGS methods for sample collection (Wilde, variously dated). Assume analysts used standard analytical methods and quality assurance as described in (USGS, 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in water and sediment samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7, collected and reported on the National Water Information System (NWIS) Water Quality database. 1961-2005.
  Field measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6. In United States Geological Survey (USGS). Variously dated. National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chaps. A1-A9, available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8431, Arsenic
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5109
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Benzo[a]anthracene | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Copper | Dieldrin | Endrin | Fluoranthene | Fluorene | Lead | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Mercury | Naphthalene | Nickel | PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six sediment quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the PEC (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effects Concentrations (PECs) for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects were used for the following constituents: 33 mg/kg Arsenic, 1050 ug/kg Benz[a]anthrazene, 4.98 mg/kg Cadmium, 111 mg/kg Chromium, 1290 ug/kg Chrysene, 149 mg/kg Copper, 61.8 ug/g Dieldrin, 207 ug/kg Endrin, 2230 ug/kg Fluoranthene, 536 ug/kg Fluorene, 128 mg/kg Lead, 4.99 ug/kg Lindane/Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), 1.06 mg/kg Mercury, 561 ug/kg Naphthalene, 48.6 mg/kg Nickel, 676 ug/kg PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), 1170 ug/kg Phenanthrene , 1520 ug/kg Pyrene (Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six sediment samples were collected. Sediment samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8431, Arsenic
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5099
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the USFWS Biological Effects Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Biological Effects Criteria for the protection of aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 0.25 mg/l Arsenic, and 15 mg/l Copper (USDOI, 1998).
Guideline Reference: Guidelines for Interpretation of the Biological Effect of Selected Constituents in Biota, Water, and Sediment. US Department of Interior report.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8431, Arsenic
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5075
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentration (CMC) of 340 ug/l for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8431, Arsenic
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5429
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-five fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. Twenty-six fish fillet sample results could not be used in this assessment because the sample were not analyzed for the analyte. The 9 fish fillet samples that were acceptable were generally collected from 8/1985 through 11/2000 at two locations. Of these total samples, 5 fillet samples collected at 2 locations exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. At the South location exceedences were found in 1 bairdiella fillet composite sample collected on 11/09/2000, and 3 tilapia fillet composite samples collected on 11/11/1998, and (2)11/09/2000. At the North location an exceedence was found in 1 tilapia fillet composite sample collected on 11/10/1998 (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 1 mg/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 6/1984 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty five fish fillet samples of bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, tilapia, and sargo were collected.Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1984-87, (4)1991, 1997, and 1999. Six orangemouth corvine single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (6)1986. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in year (2)1995. Nine tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985,1987, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Three sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, 1987, and 1991. The exceedences were found in samples collected from 11/10/1998 through 11/09/2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8432
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.5 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.

There were a total of twenty-two water samples collected. When compared to the California Department of Fish and Game 0.02 ug/l threshold for salt water aquatic life, there were 15 exceedances.

There were a total of thirty-one fish tissue samples collected. When compared to the OEHHA 1000 ug/kg threshold for consumption, there were no exceedances.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. At a minimum, 15 out of 22 water samples exceeded the California Department of Fish and Game evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation 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 met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8432, Chlorpyrifos
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5496
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the OEHHA Screening Value. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Screening Value of 10000 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8432, Chlorpyrifos
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4806
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-two water quality samples were collected every few weeks from 8/28/1996 through 4/15/1997 at three locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, 15 exceeded the CDFG Criteria. The exceedences were found in samples collected on 8/28/1996, 9/10/1996, 10/01/1996, 10/31/1996, 11/12/1996, and 3/05/1997 (CDPR, 2007).
Data Reference: Data for pesticides in water samples collected from waterbodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. Mar. 1993-Jun. 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Hazardous Assessment Criteria of 0.02 ug/l (1 hr. ave.) for freshwater and saltwater aquatic life use protection (Siepmann 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: Samples were collected from three sites in Salton Sea near the mouth of the Alamo River. The sites were approximately 0.14, 0.14, and 0.25 mi. offshore.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected every few weeks from 8/28/1996 through 4/15/1997. The exceedences were found in samples collected from 8/28/1996 through 3/05/1997.
Environmental Conditions: The samples were collected every few weeks from August through November 1996 and from February through April 1997 to coincide with the pesticide application periods in the Imperial Valley (autumn and late winter/early spring) (Crepeau et al, 2002).
QAPP Information: Investigators used USGS QA/QC in sample collection and analysis. Lab analysis was done by the USGS California District Organic Chemistry Laboratory in Sacramento, California (Crepeau, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): “Dissolved Pesticides in the Alamo River and the Salton Sea, California, 1996-97.” United States Geological Survey. Sacramento, CA. Open file report No. 02-232. http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/of/ofr02232/
 
 
DECISION ID
8433
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1, 3.5, and 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. Line of Evidence No. 5514 received a Use Rating of Insufficient Information because there was only one sample reported in each line of evidence. According to Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, the minimum number of samples required is 2.

There were a total of thirty-six water samples collected. When compared to the CTR 1.1 ug/l threshold for aquatic life, there were no exceedances.

There were a total of thirty-one fish tissue samples collected. When compared to the OEHHA 21 ug/kg threshold for consumption, there were 23 exceedances. When compared to the NAS 1000 ug/kg threshold for aquatic life, there were no exceedances

There was a total of one sediment sample collected. When compared to the sediment quality guideline 62.9 ug/kg threshold, there were no exceedance out of 1 total sediment sample taken over all the sampling years.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. At a minimum, 23 out of 31 fish tissue samples exceeded the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment fish tissue guideline used to interpret the water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation 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 met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8433, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5083
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Chlordane | DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) | Dieldrin | Endrin | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1) | beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-six water quality samples were collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 5/2005 at eight locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, none exceeded the CTR Criteria (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) Criterion Maximum Concentrations (CMCs) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life uses were used for the following constituents: 3 ug/l Aldrin, 0.22 ug/l alpha Endosulfan, 0.22 ug/l beta-Endosulfan, 2.4 ug/l Chlordane, 1.1 ug/l DDT, 0.24 ug/l Dieldrin, 0.086 ug/l Endrin, 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor, and 0.52 ug/l Heptachlor epoxide (USEPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS3, Salton Sea GS5, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, and Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Thirty-six water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sa NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8433, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5427
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 23
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, 23 fillet samples collected at 3 locations exceeded the OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal. At the South location exceedances were found in; 5 bairdiella fillet composite samples collected on 5/21/1980, 8/06/1985, (2)11/01/1989, and 11/09/2000; 5 orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples collected on 5/24/1981, 8/06/1985, 10/07/1987, 5/15/1991 and 12/06/1999; 3 tilapia fillet composite samples collected on 8/07/1985, 11/20/1997, and 11/11/1998, and; 2 Mozambique tilapia fillet composite samples collected on 5/21/1980, and 8/06/1985. At the West Shore location exceedances were found in 2 orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples collected on 6/20/1984, and 5/19/1986. At the North location exceedances were found in; 3 orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples collected on 5/29/1981, 5/30/1991, and 11/18/1997; 2 orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples collected on 5/30/1991, and 6/18/1991, and; 1 sargo fillet composite sample collected on 5/30/1991 (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) Fish Contaminant Goal of 21 ug/kg to protect human health when consuming fish (OEHHA, 2008).
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea locations: from the North end, the South end and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the year (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the year (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991. The exceedances were found in samples collected from 5/21/1980 through 11/09/2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies a Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8433, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5514
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sediment sample was taken at 1 location in the sea. The sediment sample was collected on 12/10/1987. This sample did not exceed the PEC Criteria (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: Consensus Based Sediment Quality Guideline Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of 62.9 ug/kg for the protection of freshwater organisms to toxic effects(Macdonald et al, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: A sample was collected from the south end of the Salton Sea.
Temporal Representation: One sediment samples was collected on 12/10/87 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8433, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 5586
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-one fish fillet samples were taken at 3 locations in the sea. The fish samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Of these total samples, none exceeded the NAS tissue guideline. (TSMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) Data for organic and inorganic chemicals in fish and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. 1978-2000. State Water Resources Control Board. Sacramento, CA.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in hazardous chemical concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline: National Academy of Science (NAS) tissue guideline of 1000 ug/kg for the protection of aquatic life uses (NAS, 1973).
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences. Water Quality Criteria 1972. EPA-R3-73-033. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Salton Sea from the North end, the South end, and the West Side.
Temporal Representation: Fish tissue samples were generally collected from 5/1980 through 11/2000. Fish tissue samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. Thirty-one fish fillet samples of tilapia, bairdiella, orangemouth corvina, redbelly tilapia, Mozambique tilapia, and sargo were collected. Nine tilapia fillet composites samples were collected in the years 1984-85, (2)1996, 1997, (2)1998, and (2)2000. Five bairdiella fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1980, 1985, (2)1989, and 2000. Ten orangemouth corvina fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1981, 1984-87, (2)1991, 1997, and 1999. Two orangemouth corvina single fish fillet samples were collected in the years (2)1991. Two redbelly tilapia fillet composite samples were collected in the years (2)1995. One Mozambique tilapia fillet composite sample was collected in the year 1980. Two sargo fillet composite samples were collected in the years 1985, and 1991.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The field procedures are described in TSMP Data Reports and associated Appendices. CDFG's Laboratory applies Quality Assurance Program Plan procedures for laboratory Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as described in Rasmussen (1993).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Toxic Substances Monitoring Program 1991 Data Report. 93-1WQ. State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Division of Water Quality. Sacramento, CA.
 
 
DECISION ID
8436
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: This pollutant is 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.

There were a total of twenty-four water samples collected. When compared to the Basin Plan 100 MPN/100ml Enterococcus threshold for RECI beneficial use, there were 5 exceedances. When compared to the Basin Plan 500 MPN/100ml Enterococcus threshold for RECII beneficial use, there was 1 exceedance out of 24 total water samples taken.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. At a minimum, 5 out of 24 water samples exceeded the Basin Plan water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation 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 met.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: 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.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 8436, Enterococcus
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4912
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 11/2003, at 4 locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples, 1 exceeded the Basin Plan Objective. The exceedence was found in a sample collected on 11/04/2003 from the middle of the Salton Sea (GS2) (SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan:In waters designated for noncontact water recreation (REC II) the maximum allowable Enterococcus density is 500 MPN/ 100 ml (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 5/2005 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 8436, Enterococcus
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4854
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four water quality samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually from 5/2002 through 4/2003 at 6 locations in the Salton Sea. Of these total samples , 5 exceeded the Basin Plan Objective. The exceedences were found in samples collected on 9/30/2002, 11/04/2003, and 11/05/2003 from four different locations, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, and Salton Sea GS10(SWAMP, 2007).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Data for organic and inorganic constituents in water and sediment samples collected from water bodies located in the Colorado River Basin-Region 7. May 2002-May 2005.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan:In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I) the maximum allowable Enterococcus density is 100 MPN/ 100 ml (CRBRWQCB, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Colorado River Basin, with amendments adopted through June 2006
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the following Salton Sea location: Salton Sea Drain NW1, Salton Sea Drain NW2, Salton Sea GS2, Salton Sea GS7, Salton Sea GS9, Salton Sea GS10.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-four water samples were collected. Water samples were generally collected and analyzed biannually, in May and October, from 5/2002 through 10/2003, and once in 10/2004 from the Salton Sea NW2, GS2, GS7, and GS9 locations. The rest of the locations were sampled in May and October 2002. Samples were not collected from each location every sampling round. The exceedances were found in samples collected from 9/2002 through 11/2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The sampling and analysis portions of this study were conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (QAMP) (Puckett, 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
6328
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agricultural Return Flows | Major Industrial Point Source | Out-of-state source
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
RWQCB Board Staff Decision: No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
SWRCB Board Staff Decision: 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 6328, Nutrients
Region 7     
Salton Sea
 
LOE ID: 4394
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):