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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name:	Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)
Water Body ID:	CAR6031005120080816103626
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	76543	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Mercury
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Revised
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	Mammoth Creek as a whole was listed for mercury in 2002 based on fish tissue sample collected downstream of the Twin Lakes outlet. Mammoth Creek was divided into segments for purposes of the 2008 Integrated Report assessment. There is no fish passage between the headwaters and downstream segments and no tissue samples are available for the headwaters segment. Water samples do not violate standards. The number of available water samples does not meet the minimum sample number requirement of Table 4.1 of the policy. However, since listing was done on the basis of the tissue data, delisting is recommended. This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Five lines of evidence, two which evaluate water data for the MUN beneficial use and three which evaluate water data for the COLD beneficial use, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 27 water samples exceeded the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use; 0 of 15 water samples exceed the objective for the MUN beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The water data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. There are no tissue data for this segment. 0 of 27 samples exceeded the applicable standards for the COLD beneficial use; 0 of 15 samples exceed the standard for the MUN beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. The minimum sample number requirements of Table 4.1 are not met. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76543, Mercury	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

133347

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by CalTrout between June and October 2012 from one sampling location at the outlet of Twin Lake. 0 of 3 samples exceeded the 0.050ug/L California Toxics Rule (CTR) water quality objective. Concentrations of mercury in Twin Lake ranged from 0.00049 ug/L to 0.00065 ug/L.

Data Reference:

Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The mercury criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data were collected from one station at Twin Lake: 160TWL010

Temporal Representation:

Data were collected on two occasions in June and October 2012.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected in accordance with the CalTrout Upper Owens River QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76543, Mercury	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7062

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of total mercury in 8 of 12 samples were below the detection level. Two samples were estimated values. Mercury concentrations in both of the remaining samples were 0.01 ug/L. The CTR standard was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule human health standard for consumption of water and organisms is 0.05 ug/L as a 30 day average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76543, Mercury	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7063

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criteria (for total mercury) include a 4-day average of 0.77 ug/L and a 1-hour average of 1.4 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76543, Mercury	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

133348

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by CalTrout between June and October 2012 from one sampling location at the outlet of Twin Lake. 0 of 3 samples exceeded the 0.77 ug/L evaluation guideline. Concentrations of mercury in Twin Lake ranged from 0.00049 ug/L to 0.00065 ug/L.

Data Reference:

Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data were collected from one station at Twin Lake: 160TWL010

Temporal Representation:

Data were collected on two occasions in June and October 2012.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected in accordance with the CalTrout Upper Owens River QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76543, Mercury	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7064

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of dissolved mercury in 10 of 12 samples were below the detection level. One sample was an estimated value, and the concentration in the remaining sample was 0.01 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no applicable California or federal aquatic life criteria for dissolved mercury. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criteria are expressed as total mercury (including inorganic and organic mercury). Total mercury data for this station are assessed in separate Lines of Evidence.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	77369	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Revised
Sources:	Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2028
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence, two which assess data for the COLD beneficial use and one which assesses data for the MUN beneficial use, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 8 of 8 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use; 0 of 16 samples exceed the objective for the MUN beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. 8 of 8 samples exceed the water quality objective for the COLD beneficial use and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met. FROM 2010 INTEGRATED REPORT: USEPA Final Approval Decision Details: The November 12, 2010 USEPA partial approval letter and the October 11, 2011 final approval letter both from Alexis Strauss, USEPA Region 9, to Tom Howard, SWRCB, concluded the following: USEPA has added Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes) to the list of water quality limited segments requiring a TMDL for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). USEPA review of readily available data against applicable water quality standards indicates this water body segment is impaired. The Lahontan Regional Basin Plan identifies specific water quality objectives and this water body segment has the following applicable objectives for TDS: Mammoth Creek (Twin Lakes Bridge) Annual Average: 60 mg/L and 90th Percentile: 90 mg/L (RWQCB Lahontan Region, 2005, Table 3-17, pp.3-45) USEPA assessed data against the applicable standards for both the annual average and 90th percentile and determined that both aspects of the standard are not achieved. The Lahontan Regional Water Board and State Water Board stated that data were "not temporally representative." However, the data include many values above the site specific water quality objectives throughout the year. Furthermore, not only do the annual averages consistently exceed the applicable water quality standards, data from multiple seasons indicate that the 90th percentile objective is also not achieved. Of the 5 annual averages, 5 exceeded the annual average site specific objective of 60 mg/L. In addition the calculated 90th percentile for the samples was 113 mg/L, which is higher than the 90th percentile site specific objective of 90 mg/L These exceedances are greater than the 10% exceedance threshold for conventional and other pollutants as expressed in Table 3.2 of the State Listing Policy.

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77369, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

96599

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by Lahontan staff for the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) RWB6 Monitoring program, and for a supplemental TMDL Integrated Report Special Study. The TMDL Special Study was developed by Lahontan Planning and SWAMP staff to provide additional data to the quarterly SWAMP monitoring. The purpose was to gain a better temporal understanding of levels of specific pollutants in the waterbody. To ensure the two datasets could be viably analyzed as one, the TMDL Special Study followed the same sampling protocol as SWAMP. Accordingly, the two datasets have been combined for this assessment to reflect the intended design and to best characterize conditions in the watershed. Data for the projects were collected by Lahontan Water Board staff between October 2014 and December 2016. For both projects data were collected at the same station and by the same personnel. Concentrations in the raw data ranged from non-detect to 130 mg/L. Three annual averages were computed from the raw data, all of which exceeded the site specific objective.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).

Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the TMDL Integrated Report Special Study.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The site-specific objective for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet), as referenced in the Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, is an annual average concentration not to exceed 60 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 monitoring site, 603MAM008, which is located at the bridge by the outlet of Lower Twin Lake.

Temporal Representation:

Data were collected once per month between November 2014 and December 2015, and then predominantly once monthly between May and December of 2016.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The headwaters to twin lake outlet reach receives moderate-to-high recreational use during warmer months and is mostly snow-covered during the winter.

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 77369, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7140

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 16 quarterly samples ranged from
22 to 138 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 recommended MCL for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples (2 to 4 per year) were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77369, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7139

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of TDS in 16 quarterly samples ranged from
22 to 138 mg/L. Annual averages (calculated from 2 to 4 samples per year) ranged from 67 to 100 mg/L. The highest average was based on two samples. The annual average objective was exceeded in 5 out of 5 years.

In addition the calculated 90th percentile for the 16 samples was 113 mg/L, which is higher than the 90th percentile site specific objective of 90 mg/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

USEPA Region 9 data summary for addition of total dissolved solids to California 2010 303(d) list for Carson River and Mammoth Creek in Lahontan Region

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The site-specific objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, for Station 4, Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge) includes an annual average Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration of 60 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 90 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples (2 to 4 per year) were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70249	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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 CWA 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. Four lines of evidence, one which assesses E. coli against the REC-1 beneficial use, two which assess fecal coliform against the MUN beneficial use and one which assesses fecal coliform against the REC-1 beneficial use are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 17 E.coli samples, 0 of 21 fecal coliform samples in the MUN beneficial use assessment and 0 of 5 fecal coliform samples in the REC-1 beneficial use assessment exceed the water quality objectives. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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 17 E.coli samples, 0 of 21 fecal coliform samples in the MUN beneficial use assessment and 0 of 5 fecal coliform samples in the REC-1 beneficial use assessment exceed the water quality 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 3.11/4.11] 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 70249, Indicator Bacteria	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

96945

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

GeoMean

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by Lahontan staff for the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) RWB6 Monitoring program, and for a supplemental TMDL Integrated Report Special Study. The TMDL Special Study was developed by Lahontan Planning and SWAMP staff to provide additional data to the quarterly SWAMP monitoring. The purpose was to gain a better temporal understanding of levels of specific pollutants in the waterbody. To ensure the two datasets could be viably analyzed as one, the TMDL Special Study followed the same sampling protocol as SWAMP. Accordingly, the two datasets have been combined for this assessment to reflect the intended design and to best characterize conditions in the watershed. 16 geomeans could be computed from the raw data, 0 of which exceeded the water quality objective of 20CFU/100mL.

Data Reference:

Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).

Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the TMDL Integrated Report Special Study.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's 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:

Data were collected from one site, stations: 603MAM008

Temporal Representation:

Data were collected between days 2014-16-10 and 2016-7-12

Environmental Conditions:

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 70249, Indicator Bacteria	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

96928

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Statistical Threshold Value

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by Lahontan staff for the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) RWB6 Monitoring program, and for a supplemental TMDL Integrated Report Special Study. The TMDL Special Study was developed by Lahontan Planning and SWAMP staff to provide additional data to the quarterly SWAMP monitoring. The purpose was to gain a better temporal understanding of levels of specific pollutants in the waterbody. To ensure the two datasets could be viably analyzed as one, the TMDL Special Study followed the same sampling protocol as SWAMP. Accordingly, the two datasets have been combined for this assessment to reflect the intended design and to best characterize conditions in the watershed. Water Board staff determined beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 17 samples exceeded 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 the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).

SWAMP Data:

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, station: 630MAM008

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the days of 2014-10-16 and 2016-07-12 .

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 70249, Indicator Bacteria	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7058

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2004 and 2005. Three of five quarterly samples were below the detection level, and the remaining two samples were estimated valules. The objective was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

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

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Five quarterly samples were collected between July 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70249, Indicator Bacteria	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7059

Pollutant:

Fecal Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Water column surveys (e.g. fecal coliform)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Five quarterly samples were collected between July 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70517	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Manganese
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. Three lines of evidence, two which evaluate water data for the MUN beneficial use and one which evaluates water data for the COLD beneficial use are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no California or federal standards or criteria for manganese of the protection of aquatic life. LOE 6978 should be removed from the next iteration of this decision during the next assessment cycle as there is no assessable standard for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. 0 of 15 samples exceed the secondary California Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) for the protection of MUN. 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 satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. There are no applicable California or federal standards or criteria for assessment of the 12 dissolved manganese samples. 0 of 15 samples for total manganese exceeded the SMCL and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70517, Manganese	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6980

Pollutant:

Manganese

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total manganese were below the detection level in twelve samples. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 manganese is 50 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70517, Manganese	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

133357

Pollutant:

Manganese

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data were collected by CalTrout from one sampling location on Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lake outlet). 0 of 3 manganese samples exceeded the secondary maximum contaminant level of 0.05 mg/L. Concentrations ranged from 0.0077 mg/L to 0.0173 mg/L.

Data Reference:

Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region¦s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Manganese is 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 from one station: 160TWL010

Temporal Representation:

Data were collected between June and October 2012.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were collected in accordance with the CalTrout Upper Owens River QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for Upper Owens River Water Quality Project Data

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70517, Manganese	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6978

Pollutant:

Manganese

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved manganese ranged from 5 to 46 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no state or federal standards or criteria for manganese for the protection of freshwater aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71153	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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 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. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, two that assess for MUN and one that assesses for COLD, although the COLD line of evidence does not include an assessment guideline therefore the data cannot be assessed. Zero of 21 samples exceed the guideline for MUN. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of 21 samples exceeded the guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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 71153, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7099

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in 16 quarterly samples ranged from below the detection level (8 samples) to 0.023 mg/L..No data on algae or macrophytes are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no site- specific numeric objectives in the Lahontan Basin Plan for nitrite plus nitrate for Mammoth Creek. (The numeric objectives for nitrate and Total Nitrogen are assessed separately.) The regionwide narrative 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples for nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71153, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

21204

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples for nitrite plus nitrate were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71153, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

133361

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water quality samples were collected at one location on Mammoth Creek downstream of the Twin Lakes outlet on a monthly basis between 6/12/2012 and 10/9/2012 by CalTrout.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-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:

Water quality samples were collected at one location on Mammoth Creek at station 160TWL010.

Temporal Representation:

Water quality samples were collected on a monthly basis between 6/12/2012 and 10/9/2102.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

to be added

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72383	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen
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 3.1 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. Zero of six samples exceed the site specific objective for Total Nitrogen as N. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Zero of six samples exceeded the site specific 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 72383, Nitrogen	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7093

Pollutant:

Total Nitrogen as N

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

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 between 2001 and 2005. Sixteen quarterly samples were collected for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite. Concentrations of Total Kjeldahl nitrogen ranged from 0.09 to 0.4 mg/L. Nitrate plus nitrite concentrations ranged from below detection level (8 of 16 samples) to 0.023 mg/L. The highest calculated concentration of Total Nitrogen was 0.43 mg/L as N. The annual average objective was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The objective (from Basin Plan Table 3-17, for Station 4, Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge) includes an annual average total nitrogen concentration of 0.5 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 1.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples each for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72383, Nitrogen	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

133366

Pollutant:

Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water quality samples were collected at one location along Mammoth Creek on a monthly basis between 6/12/2012 and 10/9/2012 which results in one annual average.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Basin in Table 3-17 specifies a site specific objective for Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge for Total Nitrogen as N of 0.5 mg/L applied as an annual average.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Water quality samples were collected at one location along Mammoth Creek at station 160TWL010.

Temporal Representation:

Water quality samples were collected on a monthly basis between 6/12/2012 and 10/9/2012.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

to be added

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70810	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, Nitrate
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 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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the calculated nitrate concentrations exceed the site-specific water quality objective or the Maximum Contaminant Level. 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. None of the nitrate concentrations calculated from 16 samples for nitrite plus nitrate and 16 samples for nitrite exceeded the applicable water quality objectives 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:	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 70810, Nitrogen, Nitrate	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7092

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Sixteen quarterly samples were collected for nitrite and sixteen for nitrate plus nitrite. Nitrite values ranged from below detection level (8 of 16 samples) to 0.002 mg/L. Nitrate plus nitrite values ranged from below detection level (8 of 16 samples) to 0.023 mg/L. Nitrate was calculated by subtraction; the highest concentration was 0.021 mg/L as N.
The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 nitrate is 45 mg/L expressed "as nitrate," equivalent to 10 mg/L expressed "as N." .

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples each for nitrite and nitrate plus nitrite were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70810, Nitrogen, Nitrate	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7091

Pollutant:

Nitrate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, for Station 4, Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge) includes an annual average nitrate N (as nitrate) of 0.4 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.8 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples each for nitrite and nitrate plus nitrite were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71154	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, Nitrite
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 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. None of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). 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. None of 16 samples exceeded the MCL 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:	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 71154, Nitrogen, Nitrite	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7065

Pollutant:

Nitrite as Nitrite NO2

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of nitrite in 8 of 16 samples were below the detection level. The remaining samples ranged from 0.001 to 0.002 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded..

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 is 1 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71037	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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 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 evaluating dissolved oxygen data and one evaluating dissolved oxygen saturation data, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 4 of 15 dissolved oxygen samples and 2 of 8 dissolved oxygen saturation 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region. 2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. 4 of 12 dissolved oxygen samples and 2 of 8 dissolved oxygen saturation 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 per fraction assessed 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 71037, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6955

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. The dissolved oxygen concentrations in 15 quarterly samples ranged from 6 to 10.2 mg/L. Four samples were below the 8 mg/L minimum concentration.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The objective, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6, is a one- day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 8 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Fifteen samples were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71037, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7273

Pollutant:

Dissolved oxygen saturation

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled percent saturation of dissolved oxygen at this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2003 and 2005. Percent saturation in 8 quarterly samples ranged from 58 to 119 percent. Two samples were below 80 percent.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative objective states that percent saturation shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent and minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent saturation.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Eight quarterly samples were collected between November 2003 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72556	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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 sections 3.2 and 3.10 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Five lines of evidence, two which assess data for the COLD beneficial use and three which assess data for the MUN beneficial use, are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Separate lines of evidence were prepared to assess data expressed as NTU and NTRU, since the two types of units reflect different optical properties and are not directly comparable. 0 of 14 samples expressed as NTU exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) water quality objective for the MUN beneficial use. The MCL is expressed as NTU, and the four samples expressed as NTRU cannot be used to determine compliance with the MCL. The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative objective for turbidity is antidegradation- based and allows no more than a 10 percent increase over natural turbidity levels. Listing Policy Section 3.10 provides direction for assessment of trends in water quality, including a requirement to document background conditions. Turbidity varies with streamflow and can change drastically over a single day depending on storm or snowmelt events. Continuous measurements of turbidity would be necessary to establish natural background conditions and detect trends of increased turbidity in violation of the objective. Quarterly samples are inadequate to determine compliance with the narrative objective under Listing Policy Section 3.10. 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 14 samples exceed the objective for the MUN beneficial use and 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 72556, Turbidity	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

9116

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Twelve turbidity measurements expressed as NTU were taken quarterly between 2001 and 2004. Two of them were below the detection level. The remainder ranged from 1.1 to 3.5 NTU.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide water quality 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between 2001 and 2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72556, Turbidity	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

97303

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed TMDL Integrated Report Special Study data for Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet) 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 TMDL Integrated Report Special Study.

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) (603MAM008)

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-14 and 2015-11-12

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 72556, Turbidity	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7305

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve uarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between 2001 and 2004.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72556, Turbidity	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

9118

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken quarterly between 2004 and 2005. All of them were below the detection level.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The drinking water Maximum Contaminant Level is expressed as NTU. There are no standards or criteria for turbidity as NTRU for the protection of human health.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between 2004 and 2005..

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72556, Turbidity	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

9117

Pollutant:

Turbidity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The USGS sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Four turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken quarterly between 2004 and 2005. All of them were below the detection level.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Four quarterly turbidity measurements expressed as NTRU were taken between 2004 and 2005..

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	76097	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Metals
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Reason for Delisting:	Other
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff 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: Mammoth Creek as a whole was listed for "Metals" in the early 1990s on the basis of fish tissue data from the State Water Resources Control Board's Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP). The TSMP results included "Elevated Data Levels" (EDLs) for several metals. EDLs were statistically high compared to other data statewide, but did not exceed human fish consumption criteria, including the then-applicable OEHHA criteria. In 1998 the State Water Board provided the opportunity to remove listings for TSMP data that did not exceed human consumption criteria. Mammoth Creek was not recommended to be delisted for "Metals" at the time because Lahontan Water Board staff wanted to investigate stormwater impacts on the creek. In 2006, the State Water Board listed Mammoth Creek as a whole for mercury due to exceedance of the newer OEHHA "screening value" for tissue. State Board staff did not identify exceedances of human consumption criteria for other metals. For the 2008 assessment cycle, Mammoth Creek has been divided into three segments. No additional new listings for specific metals are being recommended on the basis of tissue or water data. The mercury listing for the creek as a whole is not being carried forward to the headwaters segment because the fish tissue was collected downstream, below a fish passage barrier. For the same reason, a "Metals" listing based on tissue data is not appropriate for this segment.

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 76097, Metals	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6962

Pollutant:

Metals

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Unspecified

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Unspecified

Temporal Representation:

Unspecified

Environmental Conditions:

Unspecified

QAPP Information:

Unspecified

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	68608	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Aluminum
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and aquatic life criteria. 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. None of eight total recoverable aluminum samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level. None of eight dissolved aluminum samples exceeded the national freshwater aquatic life criteria for aluminum 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:	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 68608, Aluminum	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6993

Pollutant:

Aluminum

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of eight dissolved aluminum samples collected between 2001 and 2004, four had concentrations below the detection level and two were estimated values. The remaining samples both had dissolved aluminum concentrations of 4 ug/L. An additional four samples collected between 2004 and 2005 were analyzed by the same method as dissolved aluminum, but reported as "Aluminum, water, unfiltered." One of these samples was below the detection level, another was an estimate, and a third was detected but not quantified. The fourth sample had a concentration of 6 ug/L. The USEPA criteria were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national water quality criteria for aluminum for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are a 4- day average of 87 ug/L and a 1-hour average of 750 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Eight samples reported as dissolved aluminum were collected between 2001 and 2004. Four samples reported as "filtered" were collected in 2004 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68608, Aluminum	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6996

Pollutant:

Aluminum

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total recoverable aluminum in 8 samples collected between 2001 and 2004 ranged from 2 to 35 ug/L. An additional four samples were reported as "water, unfiltered, recoverable." One of these samples was an estimate, and aluminum concentrations in the others ranged from 2 to 12 ug/L. The MCLs were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 California primary MCL for aluminum is 1000 ug/L and the secondary MCL is 200 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Eight samples reported as total recoverable aluminum were collected between 2001 and 2004. Four samples reported as unfiltered recoverable aluminum were collected between 2004 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71134	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Antimony
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed applicable aquatic life criteria or the Maximum Contaminant Level. 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. None of twelve dissolved antimony samples exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's LOEL criteria. None of twelve total antimony samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 71134, Antimony	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7057

Pollutant:

Antimony

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total recoverable antimony in 8 samples collected between 2001 and 2004 were all below the detection level. Concentrations of unfiltered antimony in 3 of 4 samples collected between 2004 and 2005 were below the detection level. The fourth sample was an estimated value. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 antimony is 6 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Eight samples reported as total recoverable antimony were collected between 2001 and 2004. Four samples reported as "unfiltered" were collected between October 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71134, Antimony	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7056

Pollutant:

Antimony

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Four of 8 dissolved antimony samples collected between 2001 and 2004 were below the detection level. Another sample was an estimated value, and the remaining samples ranged from 0.09 to 0.13 ug/L. Concentrations of filtered antimony in samples collected between 2004 and 2005 were below the detection level in 3 of 4 samples and an estimated value in one sample. The criteria were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The USEPA Lowest Observed Effect Levels (LOEL) criteria for protection of aquatic life include an acute antimony value of 9000 ug/L, a chronic value of 1600 ug/L and a limit for toxicity to algae of 610 ug/L

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Eight samples reported as dissoved antimony were collected between 2001 and 2004. Four samples reported as filtered antimony were collected between October 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70270	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Arsenic
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and California Toxics Rule standard. 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. None of 12 dissolved arsenic samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards. None of 12 total arsenic samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 70270, Arsenic	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6957

Pollutant:

Arsenic

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. In 12 samples collected approximately quarterly, concentrations of total arsenic ranged from 1 to 13 ug/L. One sample exceeded the MCL

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 California MCL for arsenic is 10 ug/L (effective November 28, 2008).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70270, Arsenic	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6956

Pollutant:

Arsenic

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 12 samples for dissolved arsenic, eight were below the detection level, estimated values, or detected but not quantified values. The remaining four samples ranged from 2 to 3 ug/L. The California Toxics Rule standards were not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule arsenic standards for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are as follows:
4-day average = 150 ug/L
1-hour average = 340 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70174	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Beryllium
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level. 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. There are no California or federal freshwater aquatic life criteria for beryllium. None of 12 total beryllium samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 70174, Beryllium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6967

Pollutant:

Beryllium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved beryllium in 12 quarterly samples were below the detection level.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no state or federal standards or criteria for dissolved beryllium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70174, Beryllium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6966

Pollutant:

Beryllium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total beryllium in 12 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Secton 6.1.5.5 the MCL is presumed to be attained.

Data Reference:

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

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 California MCL for beryllium is 4 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72330	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Boron
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the site specific water quality objective or the California State Notification Level. 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. None of 4 samples exceeded the site-specific objective. None of 4 samples exceeded the California State Notification Level, 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:	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 72330, Boron	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

9119

Pollutant:

Boron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between July 2004 and July 2005. The concentration of dissolved boron in one of four samples was below the detection level. Two samples were estimated values. The dissolved boron concentration in the fourth sample was 7.5 ug/L. The objective was not exceeded..

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The applicable water body-specific objective, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, is an annual average boron concentration of 0.03 mg/L (equivalent to 30 ug/L) and a 90th percentile value of 0.05 mg/L (equivalent to 50 ug/L).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Compilation of Water Quality Goals

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Four samples wre collected approximately quarterly between July 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72330, Boron	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7146

Pollutant:

Boron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California State Notification Level criterion for boron is 1000 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Four samples wre collected approximately quarterly between July 2004 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	79768	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Cadmium
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and California Toxics Rule standards. Concentrations of total and dissolved cadmium were below detection levels, and under Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5 the applicable standards are considered to be attained. 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. None of twelve dissolved cadmium samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards. None of twelve total cadmium samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 79768, Cadmium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6969

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved cadmium in 12 samples were all below the detection level. Per listing policy Section 6.1.5.5 the California Toxics Rule standards are assumed to be attained.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule standards for protection of freshwater aquatic life are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute (1 hour average) standard for cadmium ranges from 0.53 to 3.42 ug/L, and the chronic (4 day average) standard ranges from 0.53 to 1.92 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 79768, Cadmium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6968

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total cadmium in 12 samples were all below the detection level or estimated values.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 California MCL for cadmium is 5 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71200	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Calcium
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable state or federal water quality standards or criteria for calcium. 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. Because there are no applicable standards or criteria the data cannot be assessed using Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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 71200, Calcium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7135

Pollutant:

Calcium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total calcium in 12 samples ranged from 4.8 to 19.3 mg/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for calcium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71200, Calcium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7136

Pollutant:

Calcium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved calcium in 12 samples ranged from 5.15 to 21.6 mg/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70448	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Chloride
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the Maximum Contaminant Level. One of five annual average datapoints 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region. 3. None of 12 samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level. One of five annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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 70448, Chloride	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6952

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.. Sixteen quarterly chloride samples included six estimated or below detection level values. The remainder ranged from 0.20 to 2.86 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 chloride is 250 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70448, Chloride	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6951

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The site-specific objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, for Station 4, Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge) includes an annual average chloride concentration of 0.6 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 1.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70212	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Chromium (total)
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective or California Toxics Rule (CTR) standards. 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. None of 12 dissolved chromium samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards. None of 12 total chromium samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level, 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:	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 70212, Chromium (total)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6971

Pollutant:

Chromium (total)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total chromium in 12 quarterly samples were all below the detection level. Per listing policy Section 6.1.5.5 the California Toxics Rule standards are assumed to be attained.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 chromium is 50 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70212, Chromium (total)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6970

Pollutant:

Chromium (total)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station appoximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved chromium in 12 samples were all below the detection level. Per listing policy Section 6.1.5.5 the California Toxics Rule standards are assumed to be attained.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule (CTR) standards for dissolved Cr VI for protection freshwater aquatic life include a 4 day average of 11 ug/L and a 1 hour average of 16 ug/L. For Cr III, the CTR standards are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute (1 hour average) toxicity standard ranges from 121.52 to 467.07 ug/L. The chronic (4-day average) toxicity standard ranges from 39.2 to 151.51 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71203	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Cobalt
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable state or federal water quality standards or criteria for cobalt. 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. Because there are no applicable standards or criteria, the data cannot be assessed using 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:	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 71203, Cobalt	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7165

Pollutant:

Cobalt

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total cobalt in 4 of 12 samples were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining 8 samples ranged from 0.042 to 0.192 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for cobalt for the protection of human health.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71203, Cobalt	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7163

Pollutant:

Cobalt

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved cobalt in 12 samples ranged from 0.032 to 0.28 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for cobalt for the protection of aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	80017	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Copper
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and California Toxics Rule standards. 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. None of 12 dissolved copper samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards. None of 12 total copper samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 80017, Copper	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6973

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total recoverable copper in 5 of 12 samples were below the detection level. The remaining 7 samples were estimated values. The MCLs were not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 primary MCL for copper is 1300 ug/L and the secondary MCL is 1000 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80017, Copper	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6972

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Of 12 samples for dissolved copper, two were below the detection level, seven were estimated values, and the remaining samples were 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 ug/L. The CTR standards were not violated

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule's (CTR's) freshwater aquatic life standards for copper are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for SWAMP samples at this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 2.62 to 9.91 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 42.98 to 136.62 ug/L

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71101	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Hardness 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	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 3.2 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. There are no applicable state or federal standards or criteria for hardness. 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. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria. 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 71101, Hardness as CaCO3	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7132

Pollutant:

Hardness as CaCO3

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no state or federal standards or criteria for hardness. Hardness is monitored for purposes such as determination of the applicable criteria and standards for metals whose toxicity is hardness-dependent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 1986 "Gold Book" includes generally accepted categories of hardness. Calcium and magnesium are the major ions contributing to hardness, and hardness is generally expressed as calcium carbonate. Water with a hardness equivalent to 0-75 mg equivalent CaC03/L is considered "soft."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled. Hardness was calculated for 12 samples. It ranged from 15.87 to 82.14 mg equivalent CaCO3.

Temporal Representation:

Hardness was calculated for 12 samples taken approximately quartely between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	76705	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Iron
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: Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceeds the USEPA aquatic life criterion. Four of the samples exceed the California Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). However, listing is not recommended because the data are not temporally representative. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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 full range of seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region. 3. Four of 12 samples exceeded the MCL 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. State Water Board Review and Conclusion: The April 19, 2010 State Water Board staff report for the 2010 Integrated Report recommended to place this water body on the 303(d) list for iron based on the State Water Board staff determination that the data were collected over a broad period of time to meet section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy. At the June 15, 2010 State Water Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board directed staff to reevaluate the listing recommendation for this water body-pollutant combination. Based on this reevaluation, State Water Board staff recommended the listing recommendation be revised to not place this water body-pollutant combination on the 303(d) list because the data show that they may not be temporally respresentative because the exceedences occurred in wetter months. On August 4, 2010 the State Water Board approved the staff recommendation to not place this water body-pollutant combination on the 303(d) list. The final language for the recommendation is the same as written under the "Regional Board Conclusion" above.

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 76705, Iron	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6974

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Dissolved iron concentrations in 12 samples ranged from 46 to 195 ug/L. The criterion was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's national freshwater aquatic life criterion for iron is a 4-day average of 1000 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76705, Iron	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6975

Pollutant:

Iron

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Total recoverable iron concentrations in 12 samples ranged from 110 to 470 ug/L. Four of these 12 samples exceeded the State MCL.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 iron is 300 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71346	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Lead
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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective or California Toxics Rule standards. 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. None of twelve dissolved lead samples exceeded California Toxics Rule standards. None of twelve total lead samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 71346, Lead	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6977

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of twelve samples, five had concentrations of total lead below the detection level. Concentrations in 6 samples were estimated values. One sample had a total lead concentation of 0.16 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 lead is 15 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71346, Lead	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6976

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Dissolved lead concentrations in twelve samples were all below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5, the CTR standards were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standards for lead are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute (1 hour) toxicity standard ranges from 6.20 to 50.27 g/L. The chronic (4 day average) toxicity standard ranges from 0.24 to 1.9 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71041	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Magnesium
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria for magnesium. 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. There are no applicable standards or criteria and the data cannot be assessed using Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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 71041, Magnesium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7137

Pollutant:

Magnesium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved magnesium in 12 samples ranged from 0.731 to 6.85 mg/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for magnesium. It is generally monitored as a component of another water quality parameter such as hardness, Total Dissolved Solids, or Sodium Adsorption Ratio.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71041, Magnesium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7138

Pollutant:

Magnesium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total magnesium in 12 samples ranged from 0.71 to 6.22 mg/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	80018	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Molybdenum
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable standards or criteria for molybdenum. 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. There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria and the data cannot be assessed using 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:	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 80018, Molybdenum	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7149

Pollutant:

Molybdenum

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total molybdenum in 12 samples ranged from 1.7 to 2.9 ug/L. The criterion was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no applicable water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for protection of the Municipal and Domestic Supply use..

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 80018, Molybdenum	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7157

Pollutant:

Molybdenum

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved molybdenum in 12 samples ranged from 1.7 to 3 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal water quality standards or criteria for molybdenum for the protection of aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71556	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Nickel
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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. None of 12 dissolved nickel samples exceeded California Toxics Rule standards. None of 12 total nickel samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 71556, Nickel	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6983

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of total nickel in four of twelve samples were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining 8 samples ranged from 0.21 to 0.42 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 nickel is 100 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71556, Nickel	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6984

Pollutant:

Nickel

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program quarterly between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved nickel in 7 samples ranged from 0.2 to 0.88 ug/L. The CTR standards were not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule freshwater aquatic life standards for nickel are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute toxicity standard ranges from 216.18 to 290.12 ug/L, and the chronic toxicity standard ranges from 24.04 to 32.26 ug/L

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station at the Twin Lakes outlet was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Seven quarterly samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

The unnamed tributary enters Mammoth Creek from the south. Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek. In addition to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, Mammoth Creek is designated for the Spawning, Reproduction and Development and Migration of Aquatic Organisms beneficial uses.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72216	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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:	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. None of the annual average datapoints exceeds the site-specific 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region. 3. None of four annual average datapoints exceeded the site-specific 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:	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 72216, Phosphate	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7105

Pollutant:

Phosphate

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2002 and 2005. Concentrations of PO4-P in 14 quarterly samples ranged from below detection level (4 samples) to 0.01 mg/L. Two samples were estimated values. The annual average objective was not exceeded.

One additional sample collected on 11/28/2001 was analyzed for hydrolyzable phosphorus. The concentration was below the detection level.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The site-specific objective (from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-17, for Station 4, Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes Bridge): includes an annual average Total Orthophosphate concentration of 0.03 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.05 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Fourteen samples were collected quarterly between March 2002 and and July 2005. One sample was collected for hydrolyzable phosphorus on 11/28/2001.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71717	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff 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 whether any of the chemical samples exceeds the water quality 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 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. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region. 3. No biological data are available for assessment whether any of the samples exceeds the objective for biostimulatory substances, and the data cannot be assessed using 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:	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 71717, Phosphorus	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7100

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

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 between 2002 and 2005. Concentrations of total phosphorus in 12 quarterly samples ranged from 0.012 to 0.039 mg/L..No data on algae or macrophytes are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no site- specific numeric objectives in the Lahontan Basin Plan for total phosphorus for Mammoth Creek. (The numeric objective for phosphate is assessed separately.) The regionwide narrative 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples for total phosphorus were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

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	72551	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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:	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 16 suspended sediment concentration values and 8 suspended sediment load values calculated from instantaneous discharge measurements. 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 72551, Sediment	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7144

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of suspended sediment in 16 quarterly samples ranged from 1 to 6 mg/L. The USGS did 8 sediment discharge (load) calculations using quarterly flow (discharge) measurements taken concurrently with the sediment samples between 10/29/2003 and 7/21/05. Measured flows during this period ranged from 5.6 to 50 cubic feet per second. Calculated sediment discharge ranged from 0.03 to 0.14 tons per day.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Lahontan Basin Plan's 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples (2 to 4 per year) were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71088	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Selenium
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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. None of 12 dissolved selenium samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule aquatic life standards. None of twelve total selenium samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 71088, Selenium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6958

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved selenium in 12 samples were all below the detection levels. The California Toxics Rule standards were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule selenium standards for the protection of freshwater aquatic life are as follows: 4 day average = 5.0 ug/L; 1 hour average = 20 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71088, Selenium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6959

Pollutant:

Selenium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Ten of the samples for total selenium were below detection levels, and two were estimated values. The MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 selenium is 50 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70664	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Silver
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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. Silver concentrations in twelve dissolved silver samples and twelve total recoverable silver samples were all below detection levels. Under section 6.1.5.5 of the policy the applicable standards are considered to be attained. 4. None of twelve dissolved silver samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standard. None of twelve total silver samples samples exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 70664, Silver	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6987

Pollutant:

Silver

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved silver in 12 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5, the CTR standards were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule (CTR) freshwater aquatic life standard for silver is dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the standard, as an instantaneous maximum, ranges from 0.15 to 2.46 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly e2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70664, Silver	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6989

Pollutant:

Silver

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of total silver in 12 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 silver is 100 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70871	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Specific Conductance
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:	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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 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. None of 12 samples exceeded the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board 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 70871, Specific Conductance	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6954

Pollutant:

Specific Conductance

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Specific conductance in 16 quarterly field measurements ranged from 47 to 185 uS/cm. Specific conductance was also measured in the laboratory for five samples collected on field sampling dates between August 2001 and August 2002; the results ranged from 59 to 199 uS/cm. The MCL was not exceeded.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen field measurements of specific conductance were taken quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005. Five quarterly laboratory measurements were taken between August 2001 and August 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71364	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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:	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 3 to 6 times per year, 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 71364, Temperature, water	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6953

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

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 between 2001 and 2005. Water temperatures in 16 quarterly measurements ranged from 1 to 19 degrees Celsius.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The applicable language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective states: The applicable language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective 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 (5o F) above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen temperature measurements were taken quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	70294	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Thallium
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the applicable water quality objective and criteria. 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. Twelve dissolved thallium samples and twelve total thallium samples were below detection levels. Under Section 6.1.5.5 of the Listing Policy, the standards are considered to be attained. 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 70294, Thallium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7060

Pollutant:

Thallium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of total recoverable thallium in 12 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 thallium is 2 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70294, Thallium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7061

Pollutant:

Thallium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005.
Concentrations of dissolved thallium in 12 samples were below the detection level. Per Listing Policy section 6.1.5.5, the MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lowest Observed Effect Levels (LOEL) criteria include an acute toxicity value of 1400 ug/L,and a chronic toxicity value of 40 ug/L. The criteria also include an "Other" limit of 20 ug/L based on 2600 hour exposure of one fish species..

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Compilation of Water Quality Goals

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71505	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff 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. There are no applicable numeric standards or criteria for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen for this station, and there are no data on algae or macrophytes available to assess compliance with the water quality 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 chemical data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The chemical 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. There were no data available on algae or macrophytes for assessment of compliance with the water quality 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 71505, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7096

Pollutant:

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of TKN in 16 quarterly sampleds ranged from 0.09 to 0.4 mg/L. No data on algae or macrophytes are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no site- specific numeric objectives in the Lahontan Basin Plan for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) for Mammoth Creek. (The numeric objective for Total Nitrogen is assessed separately.) The regionwide narrative 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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Sixteen samples for TKN were collected quarterly between August 2001 and July 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71500	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Vanadium
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. There are no applicable standards or criteria for dissolved vanadium. None of the total vanadium samples exceeds the California Notification Level. 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. There are no applicable standards or criteria for dissolved vanadium. None of 12 total vanadium samples exceeded the California Notification Level 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:	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 71500, Vanadium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7130

Pollutant:

Vanadium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved vanadium in 4 of 12 samples were below the detection level. Vanadium concentrations in the remaining 8 samples ranged from 0.3 to 0.8 ug/L.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There are no California or federal standards or criteria for dissolved vanadium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71500, Vanadium	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7128

Pollutant:

Vanadium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of total vanadium in 8 of 12 samples were below the detection level. The presence of vanadium in the remaining 4 samples was verified but not quantified. The criterion was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Notification Level criterion for vanadium in drinking water is 50 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71557	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

Pollutant:	Zinc
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:	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. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used 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. None of 12 dissolved zinc samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule standards. None of 12 total zinc samples exceeded the California Maximum Contaminant Level 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:	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 71557, Zinc	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

6998

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 12 samples for total recoverable zinc, 7 were below the detection level and one was an estimated value. Concentrations of total recoverable zinc in the remaining 4 samples ranged from 1 to 3 ug/L. The MCL was not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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 zinc is 5 mg/L, equivalent to 5000 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

Mammoth Creek is a tributary of the Owens River with headwaters near the Sierra Nevada crest. The lower reach of Mammoth Creek is influenced by geothermal springs and is called Hot Creek.

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71557, Zinc	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7001

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station under the Region 6 SWAMP program approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005. Concentrations of dissolved zinc in 12 samples ranged from 0.8 to 3 ug/L Three samples were estimated values and two were below detection levels The standards were not violated.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The California Toxics Rule¿s (CTR's ) freshwater aquatic life standards for zinc are dependent on hardness. At the hardness levels reported for this station, the acute (1 hour) toxicity standard ranges from 24.63 to 117.18 ug/L, and the chronic (4-day average) standard ranges from 24.83 to 118.14 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One station, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Twelve samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	72001	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

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	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff 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 pH objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change greater than 0.5 pH units in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) or Warm Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses. 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 pH samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations) or to detect changes in the pH regime due to controllable factors, if such trends exist.

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 72001, pH	Region 6
Mammoth Creek (Headwaters to Twin Lakes outlet)

LOE ID:

7205

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The U.S. Geological Survey sampled this station approximately quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Ten field pH measurements ranged from 6.6 to 8.8 units. Four additional laboratory samples ranged from 7.1 to 7.8 units.

Data Reference:

2007. SWAMP Data for the Owens Hydrologic Unit

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, "Mammoth Creek at Twin Lakes" was sampled.

Temporal Representation:

Fifteen samples were collected approximately quarterly between 2001 and 2005.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.

QAPP Information Reference(s):