Draft California 2012 Integrated Report( 303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name:	Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)
Water Body ID:	CAR6341003119980804122742
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	19661	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

Pollutant:	Chloride
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)(2010)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Atmospheric Deposition \| Highway Maintenance and Runoff \| Natural Sources \| Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	In 2006 this waterbody segment was listed for exceedenaces of chloride for a non-contact recreation beneficial use. In 2012, the chloride exceedences were known to be evaluated for the protection of cold freshwater habitat using the water quality objectives for chloride stated in Table 5.1-3 in the Lahontan Basin Plan. 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, one to evaluate COLD and one to evaluate REC, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of samples exceed the water quality objective used to evaluate compliance with REC but this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.2 . 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. Four of four samples exceeded the water quality objective for protection of COLD but this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of table 3.1. The placeholder LOEs used for the original listing based on protection of REC are still valid and the recommendation is Do Not Delist. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 19661, Chloride	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

32163

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The annual averages from the two sampling locations in 2008 and 2009 this water body exceeded the water quality objective. One measurement was used to calculate the annual average for 2008 and 3 samples were used to calculate the annual average in 2009.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The water quality objective is an annual average of 0.15 mg/L. (from Table 5.1-3 of the Lahontan Region Basin Plan).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two locations: HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) HV-C3 (Property Line)

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected once quarterly between August of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 19661, Chloride	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

4614

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	28499	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

Pollutant:	Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Lake Tahoe Nutrients/Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	198
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	08/16/2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff 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. Four of four 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, but Regional Board staff find that this waterbody, though listed, is being addressed by a USEPA approved TMDL (Lake Tahoe TMDL, approved 08/16/11). 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. Four of four samples exceeded the water quality 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. Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) is a tributary to Lake Tahoe. The Tahoe TMDL includes an implementation plan that identifies actions that resource management agencies must take to reduce inputs of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and fine sediment. On the ground efforts required by the Lake Tahoe TMDL that focus on stabilizing disturbed areas within the forested uplands will also achieve pollutant load reductions of these same constituents in waters tributary to Lake Tahoe. Federal, State, and larger local restoration agencies have well defined, multi objective restoration programs with established funding and developed restoration plans to help achieve the Lake Tahoe TMDL. Implementation actions included in these restoration programs include fuels reduction projects and decomissioning and recontouring unauthorized or historic roads and trails. These projects are already underway, or planned and expected, within the forested uplands of this watershed and will help reduce sediment and nutrient inputs to Lake Tahoe and its tributaries, which include Heavenly Valley Creek from the source to the USFS boundary. Pollutant load reductions within Heavenly Creek will be tracked through implementation of detailed performance and compliance measures and assessment and reporting protocols included in the Lake Tahoe TMDL. The TMDL Management System project is establishing activity-based tracking and reporting requirements to assess activities that are expected to reduce pollutant loading from non-urban sources. The Lahontan Water Board and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection will implement a Lake Tahoe TMDL Management System for managing, tracking, integrating and evaluating new information generated from TMDL implementation actions, effectiveness monitoring, research efforts, and other factors such as climate change and wildfires. The Management System is based on an adaptive management framework to (1) link load reduction effectiveness with project implementation monitoring to improve project design and to assess if actual environmental improvement is occurring as expected; (2) establish guidance and operation protocols for how new information will be incorporated into project designs and TMDL program implementation; (3) establish prioritized TMDL research needs to fill data gaps and reduce uncertainties, and (4) implement a process for updating and reporting pollutant load reduction estimates and tracking projects within the TMDL implementation timeline. The Lake Tahoe TMDL requires implementation, effectiveness, and status and trends monitoring. Tributary stream status and trends monitoring will track long-term changes in water quality conditions relative to established water quality standards or goals, and project-specific monitoring will be used to assess the efficacy of various implementation measures. Long-term water quality trends and pollutant load reduction tracking in Heavenly Creek will be captured through the ongoing efforts of the Lake Tahoe Interagency Monitoring Program (LTIMP) whose primary objective is to monitor discharge, nutrient load, and sediment loads from representative streams that flow into Lake Tahoe. Nitrogen and phosphorus loading calculations are performed using the LTIMP flow and nutrient concentration database. LTIMP has monitored Heavenly Creek and other tributaries to Lake Tahoe since 1988; this data is stored on the USGS website at http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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. This waterbody pollutant combination has been and continues to be addressed by implementation of the Lake Tahoe TMDL, which was approved by the USEPA on August 16, 2011.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 28499, Phosphorus	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

4615

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Unspecified

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 28499, Phosphorus	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31895

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total phosphorus. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total phosphorus for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.015 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	30943	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

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

Regional Board Staff 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, one to evaluate compliance with COLD and one to evaluate compliance with MUN, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the eight samples exceeded the MCL for MUN and two out of two samples exceeded the objective, which is an annual average for iron of 0.03 mg/L defined for Trout Creek. Heavenly Valley Creek is a tributary of Trout Creek. The annual average was calculated using four sample/year and should not be representative of the annual and seasonal fluctuations of iron in this waterbody. 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. The annual averages were calculated based on 4 samples and this sampling frequency is not sufficient to capture the seasonal and annual fluctuations of iron in this watershed. 3. Zero of eight samples exceeded the SMCL for protection of MUN and two of two samples exceeded the objective (annual average based on 4 samples collected at 2 different locations) for protection of COLD. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30943, Iron	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31976

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the eight samples exceeded the secondary MCL.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64449-B of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges), for iron this is 0.3 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30943, Iron	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31979

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The annual averages were 0.18 mg/L (HV-C2) and 0.09 mg/L (HV-C3) which are above the objective of 0.03 mg/L.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 3-12 of the Basin Plan, states the annual average for iron in the Trout Creek watershed (Figure 3-6) is 0.03 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected quarterly from the fourth quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	30566	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

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

Regional Board Staff 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. Zero out of 50 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. Zero of 50 samples exceeded the objective/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.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30566, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31893

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 50 samples exceeded the water quality objective for nitrate + nitrate as N. Samples collected within a 7-day period were averaged and considered as a single sample.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64431-A of section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate + nitrite as N is 10.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	30565	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

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

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 28 samples exceed the water quality objective. The 28 samples were collected monthly and this sampling frequency seems sufficient to establish specific baseline conditions and to define the natural range of temperature (including diel, seasonal and annual varations) or to detect whether changes have occurred. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of 28 samples exceeded the guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30565, Temperature, water	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31953

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 28 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The natural receiving water temperature of all waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.(Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).

Guideline Reference:

Fish introductions in CA: History and impact on native fishes. Davis, CA: University of CA, Davis

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at site HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) and site HV-C3 (Property Line).

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly between October of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	32082	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

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

Regional Board Staff 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the four samples exceeds the water quality objective. The water quality objective for total nitrogen for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.19 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek. None of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the four samples exceeded the water quality objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of 16 samples is needed for application of table 3.1 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32082, Total Nitrogen as N	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

31894

Pollutant:

Total Nitrogen as N

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the four annual averages exceeded the water quality objective for total nitrogen. Annual averages were calculated by water year starting in October 1st through September 30th. A total of 27 samples were collected per site.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 5.1-3 of the Basin Plan states that the water quality objective for total nitrogen for Trout Creek is an annual average objective of 0.19 mg/L. Table 5.1-1 shows Trout Creek as the receiving water for Heavenly Valley Creek.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at the following sites: HV-C2 Heavenly Valley Creek below Patsy's Chair and HV-C3 Heavenly Valley Creek at the Forest Service property line.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected from 10/23/2007 to 9/15/2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected as part of Water Discharge Requirements R6T-2003-0032 for Heavenly Mountain Resort.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	30567	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

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

Regional Board Staff 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. Zero 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. Zero of 26 samples exceeded the objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 30567, Turbidity	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

32456

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 26 samples exceeded the MCL for turbidity in this water body.

Data Reference:

Data from discharger self-monitoring reports for the Heavenly Mountain Resort ski area at Lake Tahoe, Oct. 2007-Sep. 2009

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two locations: HV-C2 (Below Patsy's) HV-C3 (Property Line)

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected monthly between August of 2008 and September of 2009.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected for NPDES permit R6T-2003-0032. This data was collected under waste discharge requirements for a TMDL and therefore is of adequate quality.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	18049	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

Pollutant:	Sedimentation/Siltation
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2010)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary) Sediment
TMDL Project Code:	655
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	09/30/2002
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	Regional Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle. No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows: This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. The Heavenly Valley Creek Sediment TMDL was adopted by RWQCB in 2001 and subsequently approved by USEPA in 2002. This water segment-pollutant combination was moved off the section 303(d) list during the 2002 listing cycle. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 18049, Sedimentation/Siltation	Region 6
Heavenly Valley Creek (source to USFS boundary)

LOE ID:

2864

Pollutant:

Sedimentation/Siltation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):