Draft California 2018 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
Water Body ID: CAR6304003220021009155537
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
71150
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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.

Two lines of evidence, one which evaluates Acid Neutralizing Capacity data and one which evaluates Alkalinity as CaCO3 data are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. These pollutants are functionally the same as Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) is equivalent to alkalinity, and the USEPA "Gold Book" criterion for alkalinity states that it should be greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower. 0 of 3 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 3 samples exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71150, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 97934
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Alkalinity as CaCO3 for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is not less than 20000 ug/L. (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2016)
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71150, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21347
 
Pollutant: Acid Neutralizing Capacity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey measured acid neutralizing capacity for this station in one sample collected on March 11, 2003. The ANC was 7.9 mg/L CaCO3.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) per se. However, ANC is equivalent to alkalinity, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Gold Book" recommends alkalinity greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on March 11. 2003..
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71309
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 6 samples exceeds 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 6 samples exceeded the applicable water quality objectives and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71309, Ammonia
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21352
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Concentrations of ammonia in 4 quarterly samples were all below the detection level.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: At the reported pH and temperature levels, the applicable objectives from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-1 are as follows. The 1-hour average limits for unionized ammonia range from 0.0129 to 0.091 mg/L NH3. The 1-hour average limits for total ammonia range from 17.4 to 33 mg/L NH3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71309, Ammonia
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 98801
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
103426
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two lines of evidence, one evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data and one evaluating habitat assessment data, are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 0 of 3 benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. 0 of 2 habitat assessment samples exceed the Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) impairment threshold. Both lines of evidence achieve the CSCI and IPI thresholds indicating that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment on the CWA 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. 0 of 3 benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. Additionally, 0 of 2 habit assessment samples had IPI scores below 0.83. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
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 103426, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 132754
 
Pollutant: Habitat Assessment (Streams)
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had an IPI score of
1.02
0.91
One of these scores indicates that the habitat is likely intact at this site while the other score shows the habitat is possibly altered.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Physical characteristics of a site vary due to both natural factors and human disturbance. Statistical models based on a large statewide reference data set can help distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic stress. These models work across the diverse stream types found in California. The Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) is a multimetric Index developed based on these models to characterize physical habitat condition for streams in California. Index scores near 1 indicate physical habitat conditions similar to reference, whereas lower scores indicate degradation. For the purposes of making statewide assessments, three thresholds (analogous to those used for the CSCI) were established based on the 30th; 10th; and 1st percentiles of IPI scores at reference sites. These three thresholds divide the IPI scoring range into 4 categories of physical condition as follows: greater than or equal to 0.94 = likely intact condition; 0.93 to 0.84 = possibly altered condition; 0.83 to 0.71 = likely altered condition; less than or equal to 0.70 = very likely altered condition. Scores of 0.83 or lower indicate that the physical habitat has been altered and low CSCI scores from this site may be due to impacts to the physical habitat.
Guideline Reference: An Index to Measure the Quality of Physical Habitat in California Wadeable Streams
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following stations: 630RBS005
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 8/7/2012 and 8/12/2014
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103426, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 96435
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had CSCI scores of 0.930559, 1.181146934 and 1.161249041. Therefore, this site is not exceeding the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. Additionally, this water body passed several screening criteria and was identified as a reference water body for the purposes of developing the CSCI. Reference sites where human disturbance is absent or minimal are used to set benchmark expectations for healthy streams. A large set of nearly 600 reference sites representing the broad diversity of natural stream types found across California was used to develop the CSCI.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI): A New Statewide Biological Scoring Tool for Assessing the Health of Freshwater Streams.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following stations: 630RBS005, 630RBS004
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 7/12/2002, 8/7/2012 and 8/12/2014
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
102316
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of 2 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 CWA 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 2 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 102316, Chloride
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 96619
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by Lahontan Water Board staff under the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Reference Condition Management Plan. Two field visits were made, one in August 2012 and the other in August 2014. One sample was collected at each visit. The concentrations were recorded as 0.207 mg/L in 2012 and 0.19 mg/L in 2014, neither of which exceed the site specific objective.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site specific objective for chloride in Robinson Creek, as referenced by the Lahontan Basin Plan table 3-15, is an annual average concentration not to exceed 2.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at one site, 630RBS005, which is located upstream of Upper Twin Lake near the town of Bridgeport.
Temporal Representation: Data were collected on one day in 2012 and on one day in 2014.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness.
QAPP Information: data were collected in accordance with the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
69363
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence, one which assess E. coli data against the REC-1 beneficial use and four which assess fecal coliform data against the MUN (3) and REC-1 (1) beneficial uses are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No samples exceed the water quality objectives for either pollutant.

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. 0 of 6 E. coli samples and 0 of 14 fecal coliform samples exceeded the objectives and these sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples per beneficial use assessment are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2. 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69363, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5698
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek below Barney Lake four times in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Only one fecal coliform bacteria sample was collected, and its value was one colony per 100 mL. Sample numbers were insufficient to assess compliance with the standard.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide Water Quality objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected as evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample for fecal coliform bacteria was collected in June 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69363, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 129345
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 7 samples exceeded the logmean water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. This is a 30-day rolling logmean that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): RBS.02
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2012-09-18 and 2013-10-16 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology (SNARL - CESAME)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69363, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 129219
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality standard is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. (Lahontan Region Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): RBS.02
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2012-09-18 and 2013-10-16 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology (SNARL - CESAME)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69363, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5699
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek below Barney Lake four times in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Only one fecal coliform bacteria sample was collected, and its value was one colony per 100 mL. Sample numbers were insufficient to assess compliance with the standard.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide Water Quality objective for coliform bacteria states: "Waters shall not contain concentrations of coliform organisms attributable to anthropogenic sources, including human and livestock wastes. The fecal coliform concentration during any 30-day period shall not exceed a log mean of 20/100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of all samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 40/100 ml. The log mean shall ideally be based on a minimum of not less than five samples collected as evenly spaced as practicable during any 30-day period. However, a log mean concentration exceeding 20/100 ml for any 30-day period shall indicate violation of this objective even if fewer than five samples were collected."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample for fecal coliform bacteria was collected in June 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69363, Indicator Bacteria
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 100016
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality standard for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for Eastern Sierra Ambient Monitoring.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all waters, except Lake Tahoe, where the salinity is less than 10 parts per thousand (ppth) 95 percent or more of the time is a STATISTICAL THRESHOLD VALUE (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL not to be exceeded more than 10 percent of the time (calculated monthly).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): RBS.02
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2012-09-18 and 2013-10-16 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory Center for Eastern Sierra Aquatic Microbial Ecology (SNARL - CESAME)
 
 
DECISION ID
71362
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
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: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 6 samples exceeds 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 6 samples exceeded the objective 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71362, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 97857
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71362, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21350
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in four quarterly samples were all below the detection level. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: 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 nitrite plus nitrate is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70049
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 0 of 3 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 CWA 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 3 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70049, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 130147
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70049, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5009
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program. The dissolved oxygen concentration in one sample taken on June 5, 2002 was 9.1 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The objective for waters designated COLD and SPWN is a 1 day minimum of 8 mg/L (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: One sample was taken on June 5, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70057
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 4 samples exceeds 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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy due to an error in the SWAMP QAPP regarding holding times for total phosphorus samples.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 4 samples exceeds the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70057, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 96621
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by Lahontan Water Board staff under the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Reference Condition Management Plan. Two field visits were made, one in August 2012 and the other in August 2014. One sample was collected at each visit. The concentrations were recorded as 0.0179 mg/L in 2012 and 0.0083 mg/L in 2014, neither of which exceed the site specific objective.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site specific objective for phosphorous in Robinson Creek, as referenced by the Lahontan Basin Plan table 3-15, is an annual average concentration not to exceed 0.02 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at one site, 630RBS005, which is located upstream of Upper Twin Lake near the town of Bridgeport.
Temporal Representation: Data were collected on one day in 2012 and on one day in 2014.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness upstream of the sampling site.
QAPP Information: data were collected in accordance with the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70057, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5016
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program in 2002 and 2003. One of four quarterly samples for total phosphorus was an estimated value. The other three ranged from 0.004 to 0.01 mg/L. Annual averages based on these values did not exceed the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective for total phosphorus is an annual average of 0.2 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.02 mg/L (Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-15).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken between June 2002 and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Sampling and analysis were done according to the SWAMP QAPP. However, in July 2009 an error was discovered in the QAPP related to holding times for total phosphorus samples that affects the validity of data for the Lahontan Region The holding time for samples that are not acid-preserved.should be 48 hours rather than 28 days as indicated in the QAPP. "Low level" phosphorus analyses, without acid preservation, are used in the Lahontan Region's SWAMP program. .
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69364
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 6 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69364, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 97909
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm."
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69364, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5021
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey measured specific conductance in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four quarterly measurements ranged from 8 to 40 uS/cm, and an additional measurement, reported as "field" specific conductance was 43 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: 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 specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly measurements of specific conductance and an additional measurement by a different method were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
102317
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
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 CWA 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. 0 of 2 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 CWA 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 2 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 102317, Sulfates
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 98099
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Secondary MCL that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region for Sulfate 250 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
71911
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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 evaluating Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen data and one evaluating Dissolved Kjeldahl Nitrogen data are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 4 samples in either evaluation 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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 4 samples in either evaluation exceed the objectives this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples per fraction assessed are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71911, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21349
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program in 2002 and 2003. One of 4 quarterly samples for total Kjeldahl nitrogen was below the detection level. The concentrations in two samples were estimates. The fourth sample had a concentration of 0.16 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for biostimulatory substances states: "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken between June 2002 and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71911, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21348
 
Pollutant: Dissolved Kjeldahl Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program in 2002 and 2003. Two of 4 quarterly samples for dissolved Kjeldahl nitrogen were below the detection level. The concentration in one sample was an estimate. The fourth sample had a concentration of 0.11 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for biostimulatory substances states: "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken between June 2002 and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70009
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
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.

Three lines of evidence, two which assess the available data for the MUN beneficial use and one which assesses the available data for the COLD beneficial use are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 6 samples exceeds the objective for the MUN beneficial use and 0 of 4 samples exceeds the objective for the COLD beneficial use.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 6 samples exceeds the objective for the MUN beneficial use and 0 of 4 samples exceeds the objective for the COLD beneficial use and these sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples per beneficial use are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70009, Turbidity
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 96999
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The Lahontan Basin Plan also has regionwide turbidity objective for other beneficial uses that states: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10%.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient surface waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The Secondary MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU. Calculation of a numeric objective for other beneficial uses requires comparison with upstream or other background data which may not be available as part of the data used for water quality assessment. "
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70009, Turbidity
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5023
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey measured turbidity in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements ranged from <1.0 to 2.8 NTU.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide narrative turbidity objective states: "Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10 percent."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly turbidity measurements were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70009, Turbidity
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5025
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey measured turbidity in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements ranged from <1.0 to 2.8 NTU. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: 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: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly turbidity measurements were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71907
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Three lines of evidence, two which assess the available data for the COLD beneficial use and one which assesses the available date for the MUN beneficial use are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. pH assessments require background information regarding water quality conditions in the waterbody to assess changes to ambient pH. These information were not available for this assessment and the computed sample size for data collected for the 2018 cycle is zero. 0 of 4 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use assessment and 0 of 0 samples exceed the objective for the MUN beneficial use assessment.

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 CWA 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 4 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use assessment and 0 of 0 samples exceed the objective for the MUN beneficial use assessment and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71907, pH
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 129760
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71907, pH
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 129674
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (630RBS005)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2014-08-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71907, pH
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5012
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey measured pH in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four field pH measurements ranged from 5.5 to 7.7 units. One measurement was below 6.5 units.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's objective for pH states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly pH measurements were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71635
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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. 4 of 4 samples exceed the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. 2 of 4 samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71635, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 21351
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program in 2002 and 2003. Quarterly samples were collected for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrite plus nitrate. Because these constituents included estimated and below detection level values, all four total nitrogen concentrations and both of the annual averages were estimates.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable water quality objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-15) includes an annual average total nitrogen concentration of 0.05 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly sampleseach for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrite plus nitrate were taken between June 2002 and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71635, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 96620
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by Lahontan Water Board staff under the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Reference Condition Management Plan. Two field visits were made, one in August 2012 and the other in August 2014. One sample was collected at each visit. The concentrations were recorded as 0.086 mg/L in 2012 and 0.092 mg/L in 2014, both of which exceed the site specific objective.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site specific objective for nitrogen in Robinson Creek, as referenced by the Lahontan Basin Plan table 3-15, is an annual average concentration not to exceed 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at one site, 630RBS005, which is located upstream of Upper Twin Lake near the town of Bridgeport.
Temporal Representation: Data were collected on one day in 2012 and on one day in 2014.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness upstream of the sampling site.
QAPP Information: data were collected in accordance with the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70117
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
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 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. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. All four samples were below the detection level. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70117, Phosphate
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 6078
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Robinson Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program in 2002 and 2003. Four quarterly phosphate samples were all below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5 the standard is presumed to be attained.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not contain a site-specific objective for phosphate in Robinson Creek. (It does include an objective for total phosphorus, which is assessed in a separate line of evidence.) The Basin Plan's objective for biostimulatory substances states: "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken between June 2002 and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71371
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Sediment
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
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:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative water quality objective is an antidegradation based objective that provides that there shall be no increases in suspended sediment concentrations or loads. This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.10 of the Listing Policy, which deals with trends in water quality.

One line of evidence, based on quarterly sampling, is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It includes only 4 suspended sediment samples.

Suspended sediment concentrations and loads are dependent on flows and can change rapidly over a short time during storm or snowmelt runoff events. Quarterly samples are insufficient to capture these short term events and therefore are insufficient to define natural background suspended sediment concentrations and loads, or to detect trends. Listing Policy Section 3.10 requires that natural background conditions be established.

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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. Sampling frequency was insufficient to establish natural background conditions and therefore does not meet the requirements of Listing Policy Section 3.10.
3. 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71371, Sediment
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5028
 
Pollutant: Sediment
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey collected suspended sediment samples at quarterly intervals in 2002 and 2003. Concentrations in four samples ranged from 0 to 2 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative objective states: "The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four quarterly samples were taken in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
79972
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
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:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative temperature objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change in temperature in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) beneficial use. The objective does not include specific numerical limits for protection of the COLD use. Listing Policy Section 3.10 contains directions for assessment based on trends in water quality. These directions include requirements to establish specific baseline conditions and specify the influence of seasonal and interannual effects.

One line of evidence is available to support this decision. There are not enough temperature samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations in temperature) or to detect declining trends in the temperature regime if such trends exist.

Because temperature samples were collected only quarterly, weekly and monthly average data are not available for comparison with guidelines in the scientific literature for the temperature requirements of sensitive aquatic species such as salmonids, as directed in Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.9.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79972, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Robinson Creek (Barney Lake to Twin Lakes)
 
LOE ID: 5022
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
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: The U.S. Geological Survey measured temperature at quarterly intervals in 2002 and 2003 under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four temperature measurements ranged from 2 to 13.5 degrees Celsius.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the West Walker River and East Walker River Hydrologic Units
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The temperature objective in the Lahontan Basin Plan states: "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.

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered.

Temperature objectives for COLD interstate waters and WARM interstate waters are as specified in the 'Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in The Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries of California' including any revisions."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Robinson Creek below Barney Lake, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Four temperature measurements were taken at quarterly intervals in 2002 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Robinson Creek is a tributary of Bridgeport Reservoir with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. Barney Lake is located within Hoover Wilderness. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Robinson Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development use.
QAPP Information: Data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):