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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: Buena Vista Creek
Water Body ID: CAR9042100020011025103123
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
6740
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
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)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: 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 3.6 and 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 and 3.9 a water segment can be placed on the 303(d) list if the water segment exhibits significant toxicity and the observed toxicity is associated with a pollutant or pollutants. The water body segment may also be listed for toxicity alone.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Nine of the 12 samples exceed the Toxicity 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. Nine of the 12 samples exceed sediment toxicity criteria 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 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 6740
 
LOE ID: 21371
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Selenastrum Capricornutum
Three of the four samples collected show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the following tests Selenastrum Capricornutum growth test.
Ceriodaphnia dubia
One of the four samples collected show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the following tests Ceriodaphnia dubia survival/reproductive test according to results in California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, 2007. Samples were collected on March, April, June and September 2002.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
According to SWAMP, waters are considered toxic when samples show significant toxicity levels (SWAMP code ‘SL’) when compared to a negative control. Significant toxicity is determined when statistical tests result in an alpha of less than 5% and percent control values less than the evaluation threshold.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek station (904CBBVR4). (Latitude 33.1805, Longitude -117.3289).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on March, April, June and September 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA.
 
LOE ID: 3176
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two out of four samples displayed statistically significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%. All samples were tested using the 10-day Hyallela azteca test. Note that all four samples actually had significant toxicity relative to the control, but only the two samples without any QA qualifiers were considered as exceedances (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Region 9 Basin Plan, pages 3-15 to 3-16; September 8, 1994).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from one station, Buena Vista Creek 4.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from March 2002 through September 2002. Toxicity in the survival endpoint was detected in samples collected on March 12, 2002 and September 16, 2002.
Environmental Conditions: San Diego County Coastal Stream: Buena Vista Creek, Hydrologic Unit Basin Number 904.21.
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 26278
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Hyalella azteca
All four samples collected show significant toxicity levels (SL) as determined by the following tests Hyalella azteca survival and growth test according to results in California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, 2007. Samples were collected on March, April, June and September 2002.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to SWAMP, waters are considered toxic when samples show significant toxicity levels (SWAMP code ‘SL’) when compared to a negative control. Significant toxicity is determined when statistical tests result in an alpha of less than 5% and percent control values less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek station (904CBBVR4). (Latitude 33.1805, Longitude -117.3289).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on March, April, June and September 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA.
 
DECISION ID
17885
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollution
 
Weight of Evidence: Benthic Community Effects is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.9 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, an additional line of evidence associating the Benthic Community Effects with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 21 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this water segment 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. 21 of 21 samples exceeded the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) value of "poor" water quality for this area and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy, however as required under section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, pollutant(s) could not be directly associated with the Benthic Community Effects.
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 17885
 
LOE ID: 26628
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
LOE Subgroup: Adverse Biological Responses
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Ten samples were taken from May 2001 to October 2006 at three sampling sites. All 10 samples exceeded the IBI impairment threshold.
Data Reference: Stream Bioassessment Data. Co-permitee Data. Collected 2002-2007.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the San Diego Basin Plan the objective is: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is an analytical tool that can be used to assess the biological and physical condition of streams and rivers within a zero to one hundred scoring range: Very Poor 0-19, Poor 20-39, Fair 40-59, Good 60- 79, Very Good 80-100. The IBI score of 39 was set as an impairment threshold because it is a statistical criterion of two standard deviations below the mean reference site score which defines the boundary between 'fair' and 'poor' IBI creek conditions. (Ode, p. 9)
Guideline Reference: "A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams". Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): 1-13.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at three sites: BVR-CB, BVR-ED, and BVR-SVW on Buena Vista Creek.
Temporal Representation: Sampling occurred during May and October in 2001 and 2002, then in October of 2003, 2004 and 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Control for collection and identification was conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Manual for Freshwater Bioassessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QUALITY ASSURANCE MANUAL FOR FRESHWATER BIOASSESSMENT Revision 0
 
LOE ID: 26376
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
LOE Subgroup: Adverse Biological Responses
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven samples of IBI data were taken from May 1998 to November 2000 at two sampling sites. Of the total number of samples, all eleven samples exceeded the IBI impairment threshold.
Data Reference: Fish and Game IBI Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the San Diego Basin Plan the objective is: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin (9).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is an analytical tool that can be used to assess the biological and physical condition of streams and rivers within a zero to one hundred scoring range: Very Poor 0-19, Poor 20-39, Fair 40-59, Good 60- 79, Very Good 80-100. The IBI score of 39 was set as an impairment threshold because it is a statistical criterion of two standard deviations below the mean reference site score which defines the boundary between 'fair' and 'poor' IBI creek conditions. (Ode, p. 9)
Guideline Reference: "A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams". Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): 1-13.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at two sites: 904BVRSVW and 904BVREDx on Buena Vista Creek.
Temporal Representation: Sampling occurred during two to four events annually over a three year period from May 1998 to November 2000.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Control for collection and identification was conducted in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan for the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure and the State of California, California Monitoring an Assessment Program: "CMAP", Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): State of California, California Monitoring and Assessment Program: "CMAP".
  Quality Assurance Project Plan for the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure
  The San Diego Stream Team Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
DECISION ID
5848
 
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)(2006)
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 3.1 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. The single sample exceeds the Basin Plan water quality objective for chloride.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient 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. The single sample exceeds the Basin Plan water quality objective for chloride. More data is needed to determine if the water quality objective is exceeded.
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 5848
 
LOE ID: 3172
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by RWQCB9 in 1998. One sample was collected and it was in exceedance.
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 chloride is 250 mg/L. 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 Buena Vista Creek. Exact location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on 06/29/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
16374
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
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.

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

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 three samples exceed the CTR criteria for Se 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 16374
 
LOE ID: 6549
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollution
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All four samples collected at Buena Vista Creek show excessive selenium concentrations according to results in California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Report, 2007.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Freshwater Chronic (CCC) 5 ug/L. (U.S. EPA, 2000.)
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: Water samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek station 904CBBVR4; (Latitude 33.180577, Longitude -117.339035).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in March, April, June and September 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA.
 
DECISION ID
5850
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
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: Pollution
 
Weight of Evidence: 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 the two lines of evidence in the record to assess this pollutant consists of bioassessment data. This information on its own is insufficient to determine with the confidence and power required by the Listing Policy since Section 3.9 of the policy states that this data must be associated with numerical water quality data.
 
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 placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are exceeded.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5850
 
LOE ID: 3174
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected in 1998 and 1999 at Buena Vista Creek for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 1999 Biological Assessment Annual Report. Physical habitat scores ranged from 59 to 80, relatively lower compared to other sampled waterbodies. BMI ranking scores were mostly below average, compared to other sampled waterbodies. (San Diego RWQCB, 1999a).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No objective.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek, 5 riffles upstream of South Vista Way (BVR-SVW). Lat/Long is N33E10' 48.7"/ W117E 19' 41.1"
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in May, September, and November 1998 and in May 1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 3175
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected in 1998 and 1999 for the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board 1999 Biological Assessment Annual Report. Physical habitat assessment scores ranged from 44 to 68, relatively lower than for the other sampled watersheds. BMI ranking scores were mostly below average compared to other sampled watersheds. (San Diego RWQCB, 1999a).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No objective.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek, 5 riffles downstream of Santa Fe Avenue (BVR-ED). The Lat /Long is N33E11'57.9"/ W117E 14' 35.1"
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in May, September, and November 1998 and May 1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
5849
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
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 3.1 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. A single sample exceeds the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient 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. Only one sample exceeded the water quality objective for sulfate. More data is needed to determine if the water quality objective is exceeded.
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 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 placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are exceeded.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5849
 
LOE ID: 3173
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by RWQCB9 in 1998. One sample was collected and it was in exceedance.
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 sulfate is 250 mg/L. 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 Buena Vista Creek. Exact location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on 06/29/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
5819
 
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 and 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 and 3.9 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. An insufficient number of samples exceed the water quality objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not 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 does not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of 2 samples were in exceedance of the 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: 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 placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are exceeded.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5819
 
LOE ID: 3170
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by RWQCB9 in 1998. Two of 2 samples were in exceedance. (SWRCB, 2003).
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 total dissolved solids is 500 mg/L. 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: One set of samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek at South Vista Way. The other set were collected at Buena Vista Creek; exact location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once on 05/20/1998 and once on 06/29/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
5829
 
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)(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 3.1 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 water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the 2 samples were in exceedance of the water quality objective for turbidity 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.
 
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 placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not exceeded.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5829
 
LOE ID: 3171
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data were collected by RWQCB9 in 1998. None of the 2 samples were in exceedance.
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: One set of samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek at South Vista Way. The second set of samples were collected at Buena Vista Creek; exact location was not reported.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once on 05/20/1998 and once on 06/29/1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data used in 2002 assessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s):