Draft 2008 California 303(d)/305(b) Integrated Report

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: San Marcos Lake
Water Body ID: CAL9045200019991117152408
Water Body Type: Lake & Reservoir
 
DECISION ID
4374
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown | Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: 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 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. All three of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. All samples exceed the phosphorus 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.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: No new data were assessed for 2008. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4374
 
LOE ID: 769
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of 3 samples were in exceedance. The three samples were collected by the Lake San Marcos Community Association on May 9, 2001. The data was analyzed on May 12, 2001 by Enviromatrix Analytical, Inc. (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan. Total Phosphorus: The maximum, threshold - not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time is 0.025 mg/L for inland surface waters-any standing body of water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: From the Basin Plan: Use unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was taken at each of three locations on the lake: Outfall, Cross Bridge, and Park Dock.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on one day, May 9, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
4482
 
Pollutant: Foam/Flocs/Scum/Oil Slicks
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)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for listing under sections 2.1, 3.6, and 3.10 of the Listing Policy.

Under section 3.6, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status while under section 3.10, a minimum of two lines of evidence are needed to assess listing status. One line of evidence is required are available in the administrative record to assess foams, flocculants, and oil slicks. Two lines of evidence are required for scum.

Scum data is not backed by any nutrient data and therefore cannot be used as the basis for a listing on its own (section 2 of the Listing Policy).

Based on the information presented, the water body-pollutant should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if the pollutant contribute or cause a toxicological effect (section 2 of the Listing Policy).

Two photos taken by a citizen that were submitted by the Lake San Marcos Community Association were used. They show white foam and oil discoloration on the surface of the water. These photos are not enough information to list this waterbody for these pollutants.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4482
 
LOE ID: 777
 
Pollutant: Foam/Flocs/Scum/Oil Slicks
LOE Subgroup: Visual
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two photos taken by a citizen, submitted by the Lake San Marcos Community Association were used. They show white foam and oil discoloration on the surface of the water. (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain floating material, including solids, liquids, foams, and scum in concentrations which cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes, or other materials in concentrations which result in a visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water, or which cause nuisance or which otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The location of both photos is at the lake inlet.
Temporal Representation: Both photos were taken in February 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
4479
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of three samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for total dissolved solids.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for total dissolved solids, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4479
 
LOE ID: 770
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of 3 samples were in exceedance. Samples were collected by the Lake San Marcos Community Association on May 9, 2001. The samples were analyzed by Enviromatrix Analytical, Inc on May 14, 2001 (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Total Dissolved Solids: 500 units
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Concentration not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Three samples were collected on the lake, one each at West Discovery Bridge, LMS Side Discovery Bridge, and LMS Wake Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once on May 9, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
4373
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant. Three of three of samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for ammonia.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three of samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for ammonia, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4373
 
LOE ID: 768
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of 3 samples were in exceedance. Samples were collected at the San Marcos Lake in May 2001, by the Lake San Marcos Community Association. Three samples were analyzed for Ammonia as N by Enviromatrix Analytical Inc. (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Ammonia, unionized. Maximum 0.025 mg/L. Discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of NH3 to exceed this limit (as N) in these waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations: outfall, cross bridge, and park dock were sampled.
Temporal Representation: All samples were taken on one day in May 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 774
 
Pollutant: Fish Kills
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is no numeric data concerning low dissolved oxygen. Information that low dissolved oxygen is potentially a problem was found in the conversation with D. Gibson on 10/2/01 (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration in ocean waters shall not at any time be depressed more than 10 percent from that which occurs naturally, as the result of the discharge of oxygen demanding waste materials.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The comments from citizens do not give a specific location on the lake.
Temporal Representation: The notes concerning low DO are from a conversation on 10/2/01.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 775
 
Pollutant: Fish Kills
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There was no numerical data pertaining to dissolved oxygen submitted. Information from the Lake San Marcos Community Association concerning a fish kill in the lake was dated May 9, 2001. The letter says that several fish kills occurred during summer months and that representatives from the California Fish and Game and the San Diego County Department of Health have confirmed that the fish kill was due to a lack of oxygen (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration in ocean waters shall not at any time be depressed more than 10 percent from that which occurs naturally, as the result of the discharge of oxygen demanding waste materials.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: No specific locations of the lake were reported in the document.
Temporal Representation: The document is dated May 9, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 776
 
Pollutant: Abnormal Fish deformities, erosions, lesions, tumors (DELTS)
LOE Subgroup: Adverse Biological Responses
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A photo of an abnormal growth on a fish gill plate was taken on April 15, 2001 and submitted in a letter dated May 9, 2001 by the Lake San Marcos Community Association. Other data concerning nutrients and solids was collected and analyzed in May 2001 (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: No specific location is given as to where the fish was caught.
Temporal Representation: The fish with an abnormal gill was caught on April 15, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
4480
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of three samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for nutrients.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for nutrients, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4480
 
LOE ID: 771
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The data include notes from a conversation with D. Gibson on 10/1/01 and a note from a citizen (Thielen), submitted by the Lake San Marcos Community Association (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).Information includes notes from a conversation with D. Gibson and a note from a citizen concerning nutrients and their sources. Notes mention that the water is potentially impaired but there doesn't appear to be enough data to support that it is impaired.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: Inland surface waters, bays and estuaries, and coastal lagoon waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Descriptions seem to include the entire lake.
Temporal Representation: Descriptions are dated from February 2001 to around November 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 773
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of 3 samples were in exceedance. The three samples were collected by the Lake San Marcos Community Association on May 9, 2001. The data was analyzed on May 12, 2001 by Enviromatrix Analytical, Inc. (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan. Total Phosphorus: The maximum, threshold - not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time is 0.025 mg/L for inland surface waters-any standing body of water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: From the Basin Plan: Use unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was taken at each of three locations on the lake: Outfall, Cross Bridge, and Park Dock.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on one day, May 9, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 772
 
Pollutant: Nutrients
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of 3 samples were in exceedance. Samples were collected at the San Marcos Lake in May 2001, by the Lake San Marcos Community Association. Three samples were analyzed for Ammonia as N by Enviromatrix Analytical Inc. (Lake San Marcos Community Association, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Ammonia, unionized. Maximum 0.025 mg/L. Discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of NH3 to exceed this limit (as N) in these waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Three stations: outfall, cross bridge, and park dock were sampled
Temporal Representation: All samples were taken on one day in May 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):