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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: Prima Deshecha Creek
Water Body ID: CAR9013000020010924090843
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
5853
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: 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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Fifty of samples exceeded the water quality objective for total phosphorus.

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 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. Fifty of 59 samples exceeded the total phoshorus water quality objective and this does not exceed 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 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5853
 
LOE ID: 7742
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of five flow-weighted event mean concentrations exceeded the water quality objective according to results in the Orange County Stormwater Annual Progress Reports from 2002 through 2006. Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Data Reference: Orange County Stormwater Program. 2004-2007. Unified Annual Progress Reports, Program Effectiveness Assessment (San Diego Region)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
The Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9) goal is 0.1 mg/L for phosphorus in streams and other flowing waters (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station in Prima Deschecha Creek at 33.44679°, 117.64448°.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 3011
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 46
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by Orange County in 1997-2000. Forty-six of 54 samples were in exceedance.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For inland surface waters - streams and other flowing waters and all beneficial uses, the WQO for total phosphorus is 0.1 mg/L. This appears to be the desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters; not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: 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: Samples were collected at Prima Deshecha Creek. Exact location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected 1-5 times per month from 07/02/1997 to 06/29/2000. At least 4 months per year were represented.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
17604
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. Four of the five samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality 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 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. Four of the five samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for total nitrogen as N 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 applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 17604
 
LOE ID: 7743
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of five flow-weighted event mean concentrations exceeded the water quality objective according to results in the Orange County Stormwater Annual Progress Report from 2002 through 2006. Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Data Reference: Orange County Stormwater Program. 2004-2007. Unified Annual Progress Reports, Program Effectiveness Assessment (San Diego Region)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (RWQCB, 2007).
The Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9) states: “A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. These values are not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time 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. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used.” Since the goal for total phosphorus is 0.1 mg/L, then according to the ratio provided, the goal for total nitrogen is 1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station in Prima Deschecha Creek at 33.44679°, 117.64448°.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
16974
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
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 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eight of the samples exceed the water quality objective for cadmium.

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 eight samples exceed the cadmium water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 16974
 
LOE ID: 7739
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of eight samples collected exceed the hardness adjusted Criterion Maximum Concentration for dissolved cadmium. All eight of the samples collected exceed hardness adjusted Criterion Continuous Concentration for dissolved cadmium according to results in the Orange County Stormwater Progress Reports from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Orange County Stormwater Program. 2004-2007. Unified Annual Progress Reports, Program Effectiveness Assessment (San Diego Region)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the CTR, the dissolved cadmium Criterion Continuous Concentration is 2.2 ppb and the Criterion Maximum Concentration is 4.3 ppb, but these criteria may vary depending upon hardness of the sample (U.S. EPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station in Prima Deschecha Creek at 33.44679°, 117.64448°.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during Wet Weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
16975
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
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 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective for nickel.

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. Three of eight samples exceed the nickel water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 16975
 
LOE ID: 7740
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three out of eight samples collected exceed the hardness adjusted Criterion Continuous Concentration for dissolved nickel according to results in the Orange County Stormwater Annual Progress Reports from 2002 through 2006. Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Data Reference: Orange County Stormwater Program. 2004-2007. Unified Annual Progress Reports, Program Effectiveness Assessment (San Diego Region)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the CTR, the dissolved nickel Criterion Continuous Concentration is 52 ppb and the Criterion Maximum Concentration is 470 ppb, but these criteria vary depending upon hardness of the sample (U.S. EPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station in Prima Deschecha Creek at 33.44679°, 117.64448°.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from December 2002 through March 2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
5834
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status 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 section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess delisting status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A large number of samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Forty of 54 samples were in exceedance of the turbidity water quality objective 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: No new data were assessed for 2008. The decision has not changed.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5834
 
LOE ID: 3010
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 40
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by Orange County from 1997-2000. Forty of 54 samples were in exceedance. Turbidity concentrations ranged from 4.0 to 5400. There was no note of weather events to correspond with changing turbidity levels.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan: For inland surface waters and all beneficial uses, the WQO for turbidity is 20 NTU. This concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Prima Deshecha Channel.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected 1-5 times per month from 07/02/1997 to 06/29/2000. Data was reported for at least four months of each year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):