Final California 2012 Integrated Report( 303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name: Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
Water Body ID: CAR1141201419990614115350
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
20262
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification | Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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. There is only on grab samples from the mainstem of Austin Creek (LOE 44090) and this sample size is not sufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if the cold freshwater habitat (COLD) beneficial use is being protected, as a minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of Table 4.2.

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) 303(d) listing determinations made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. LOE 4757 is a placeholder for the 303(d) listing data and information from a previous assessment cycle that was initially utilized to make this listing determination. (4) Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20262, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44090
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature. 
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per "Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids" (Carter 2008): The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both steelhead adult migration & holding and juvenile growth & rearing of 24°C applies in this water body June-October. The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for salmonid spawning, egg incubation & fry emergence is 20C and applies November-May. See LOE ID 31515 for more information on natural temperature alterations and salmonid presence and periodicity in this water body.
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20262, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 4757
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 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:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20262, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 31515
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative Temperature Objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If Yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if No, Then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If Yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if No, then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If Yes, then water body is impaired, if No, then water body is not impaired.
Data Reference: Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF ALTERATION OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURES (NON-NATURAL TEMPS): Water temperatures of the Russian River HA, including the Austin Creek HSA, do not reflect natural conditions as environmental factors that influence water temperature have been altered by human activities. Examples of human alteration to the Russian River include flow changes resulting from the Potter Valley Project and dam construction, as well as landuse practices, such as logging and agriculture, which have resulted in alterations to streambanks, channel morphology, and stream temperatures (FERC 2002). EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Coho, steelhead, and Chinook are all present in the Russian River watershed (CDFG 2002). Spawning, incubation, and emergence for these three salmonid species cumulatively occurs November through the end of May. Steelhead juveniles rear year-round in the Russian River watershed (Steiner Environmental Consulting 1996).
Guideline Reference: A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River.
  Biological Opinion for the Proposed License Amendment to the Potter Valley Project (FERC Project #77-110)
  Historical Salmonid Streams and Calwater 2.2a Hydrologic Subareas. Figure shows Chinook, coho, and steelhead distribution in the Russian River watershed.
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to Russian River HU, including the Austin Creek HSA.
Temporal Representation: Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
24648
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No new data were assessed during the current Integrated Report cycle, however it should be noted that the use rating and decision language have been altered to reflect that there are insufficient data available to make a listing determination.

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of the 4 samples exceeded the aluminum objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 16 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1 (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 24648, Aluminum
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 25391
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 aluminum samples collected from Austin Creek exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The Maximum Contaminant Level for aluminum is 1.0 mg/l (1,000 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
27176
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium | Chromium (total) | Copper | Lead | Mercury | Nickel | Selenium | Silver | 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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It should be noted that LOE 21550 from the 2010 Integrated Report cycle was replaced by LOE 46951 this current listing cycle in order to reflect that samples were collected in Austin Creek (not the Laguna de Santa Rosa).

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) None of the 40 samples exceeded the metal 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 27176, Multiple Pollutants
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 21550
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Copper | Lead | Mercury | Nickel | Selenium | Silver | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 40 metal samples collected in the Laguna de Santa Rosa exceed the objectives. There were 4 samples collected for each of the 10 metal parameters. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Arsenic objective is 0.05 mg/L. Cadmium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Chromium objective is 0.05 mg/L. Lead objective is 0.05 mg/L. Mercury objective is 0.002 mg/L. Selenium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Silver objective is 0.05 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64431: Nickel maximum contaminant level is 0.1 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64449: Copper secondary maximum contaminant level is 1.0 mg/L. Zinc secondary maximum contaminant level is 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
  Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 27176, Multiple Pollutants
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 46951
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium | Copper | Lead | Mercury | Nickel | Selenium | Silver | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 40 metal samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the objectives. There were 4 samples collected for each of the 10 metal parameters. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008). This LOE replaces LOE 21550 from the 2010 Integrated Report cycle. The LOE has been edited to reflect that samples were collected in Austin Creek (not the Laguna de Santa Rosa).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Arsenic objective is 0.05 mg/L. Cadmium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Chromium objective is 0.05 mg/L. Lead objective is 0.05 mg/L. Mercury objective is 0.002 mg/L. Selenium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Silver objective is 0.05 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64431: Nickel maximum contaminant level is 0.1 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64449: Copper secondary maximum contaminant level is
1.0 mg/L. Zinc secondary maximum contaminant level is 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
  Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
31775
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, lines of evidence associating benthic community effects with water or sediment concentrations of pollutants are necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for Austin Creek (Lower Russian River HA) for each of ten (10) pollutants is available in the administrative record:
(a) 1 of 1 sample for Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment did not meet the North Coast Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI);
(b) 0 of 1 sample each for temperature, specific conductance, chloride, and sulfate did not meet water quality objectives;
(c) 1 of 1 sample each for dissolved oxygen and pH did not meet water quality objectives; and
(d) 0 of 1 sample each for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen did not meet water quality objectives.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment in this water body 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) The sample size for temperature, specific conductance, chloride, sulfate, dissolved oxygen and pH is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.1 of the Policy;
(4) The sample size for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.2 of the Policy;
(5) One of one Benthic-Macro-Invertebrate bioassessment samples did not meet the evaluation guideline, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. Additionally, no pollutant could be associated directly with the non-attainment of the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment as sample sizes were all insufficient;
(6) Therefore, this information is insufficient to determine if standards are being met with the confidence and power required by the Policy, since Section 3.9 of the Policy states that the bioassessment data must be associated with exceedances of numerical water quality objectives; and
(7) Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44090
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature. 
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per "Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids" (Carter 2008): The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both steelhead adult migration & holding and juvenile growth & rearing of 24°C applies in this water body June-October. The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for salmonid spawning, egg incubation & fry emergence is 20C and applies November-May. See LOE ID 31515 for more information on natural temperature alterations and salmonid presence and periodicity in this water body.
Guideline Reference: Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44459
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Specific Conductance is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44068
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44047
 
Pollutant: Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44026
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44022
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 34617
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample does not exceed the water USEPA Temperature and pH-Dependent values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Present for ammonia. The datum is reported as underneath the quantitation limit. This quantitation limit is less than or equal to the water quality standard, the value will be considered as meeting the water quality standard, objective, criterion, or evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (USEPA 1999): Where salmonids and fish early life stages are present, the 30-day average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia (as mg N/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages of fish. The CCC formula is found on p.83 and the table of CCC values are found on p.87.
Guideline Reference: 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at 114WER118 (Austin Creek, East).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 33991
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the Austin Creek, East station (114WER118).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in August 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 33929
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected exceeded the SPWN objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the Austin Creek, East station (114WER118).
Temporal Representation: One Sample was collected in August 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 31775, Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 32454
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The one sample collected had an IBI score velow 52. The IBI score was 50.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Northern California IBI, sites with scores below 52 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 114WER118, Austin Creek, East.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in August 20, 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected for the Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008 following SWAMP protocols and stored in the SWAMP database.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
27177
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available to assess protection of the municipal and domestic supply (MUN) beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of 5 samples from Austin Creek exceed the objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 27177, Chloride
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 25454
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 chloride samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Waters shall not contain taste- or odor-producing substances in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per 22 CCR 64449: The recommended Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 27177, Chloride
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44022
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
25734
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for E. coli is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in Kidd Creek.

It should be noted that an additional LOE for total coliform was not utilized in this decision because these bacteria are widespread in nature and occur in non-fecal sources such as soil and submerged wood.

In accordance with Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, a 4% exceedance rate shall be used to add waters to the List "if water quality monitoring was conducted April 1 through October 31 only". Additionally, there must be either 1) at least 15 samples available for evaluation in order to make a listing determination or 2) 2 or more exceedances from less than 15 samples in which case listing can occur. In this instance, three samples are available to evaluate E. Coli and the data reflect no exceedances of the evaluation guideline. Therefore, there is not enough data available to make a listing determination.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. None of the 3 E. Coli samples exceed the single sample maximum evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. This conclusion is also based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25734, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 7074
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 3 E. coli samples from Kidd Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. Concentrations range from 14 to 30 MPN / 100 ml. The samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute (CCWI 2006).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the "Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches" (DHS 2006): Beach posting is recommended when single sample E. coli levels exceed 235 MPN / 100 ml. *Note: MPN is the most probable number of coliform units.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Kidd Creek, just downstream of the Bed and Breakfast in Cazadero. Kidd Creek is a tributary to Austin Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected monthly in June, July, and August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: The samples were collected in accordance the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25734, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 7071
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 total coliform samples collected from Kidd Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. Sample concentrations range from 187 to 416 MPN / 100 ml. The samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute (CCWI 2006).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the "Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches" (DHS 2006): Beach posting is recommended when single sample total coliform levels exceed 10,000 MPN / 100 ml. *Note: MPN is the most probable number of coliform units.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Kidd Creek, just downstream of the Bed and Breakfast in Cazadero. Kidd Creek is a tributary to Austin Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once a month in April, June, July, and August of 2005.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
 
DECISION ID
32010
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in Austin Creek (LOE 44026).

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of one sample from Austin Creek exceeds the water quality objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (a) 16 samples, or (b) greater than or equal to 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32010, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44026
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
32052
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Nitrite
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in Austin Creek (LOE 44047).

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of one sample from Austin Creek exceeds the water quality objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (a) 16 samples, or (b) greater than or equal to 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32052, Nitrite
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44047
 
Pollutant: Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
25408
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) beneficial use, and one line of evidence is available to assess the Spawning, Reproduction, and/or Early Development (SPWN) beneficial use. It should be noted that the pollutant name was changed from "Ammonia as Nitrogen" to "Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)".

Zero of 40 samples exceed the COLD evaluation guideline. Additionally, zero of 1 sample exceeds the SPWN evaluation guideline, however, this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 16 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1

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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of 40 samples exceed the COLD evaluation 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25408, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 26339
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 ammonia as nitrogen samples collected from Austin Creek exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 2006): The 1-hour average concentration (acute criterion or CMC) of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) for freshwater where salmonid fish are present, which is not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average, is calculated using the following equation: CMC=0.275/(1+10^(7.204 - pH)) + 39.0/(1+10^(pH - 7.204)).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25408, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 34617
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample does not exceed the water USEPA Temperature and pH-Dependent values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Present for ammonia. The datum is reported as underneath the quantitation limit. This quantitation limit is less than or equal to the water quality standard, the value will be considered as meeting the water quality standard, objective, criterion, or evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (USEPA 1999): Where salmonids and fish early life stages are present, the 30-day average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia (as mg N/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages of fish. The CCC formula is found on p.83 and the table of CCC values are found on p.87.
Guideline Reference: 1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at 114WER118 (Austin Creek, East).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected on 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
25539
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It should be noted that data from a third LOE from the 2010 Integrated Report cycle (LOE 8901) are re-assessed in LOE 46839.

One of one sample from East Austin Creek (LOE 33929) exceeds the objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2.

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) Fourteen of 85 samples from Austin Creek (LOE 46839) exceed the 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25539, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 8901
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 85
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fourteen of the 85 samples collected in Austin Creek exceeded the minimum DO water quality objective. Data were divided into two categories, 1) no spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring and 2) spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring. Presence and absence of salmonid species was determined by utilizing CDFG map (Brooks 2002). Timing of spawning, incubation, and emergence was determined utilizing Steiner Environmental Consulting (1996).

The DO values when no spawning, incubation, and emergence were occurring ranged from 2.8 mg/L to 11.2 mg/L (6 exceedences of the objective). DO values during times of spawning, incubation, and emergence ranged from 6.4 mg/L to13.9 mg/L (8 exceedences of the objective).

These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008
  Map of Historical Salmonid Streams and Calwater 2.2a Hydrologic Sub-Areas. California Department of Fish and Game, Central Coast Region. IHRMP North Coast GIS Lab. Hopland, CA
  A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): (1) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 6.0 mg/L for waters designated as COLD.
(2) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 9.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN during critical spawning and egg incubation periods.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The water samples were collected at 3 locations in Austin Creek. The sites are in the lower section of the mainstem from below Cazadero to the confluence with the Russian River.
Temporal Representation: The DO samples were collected from February 2004 to November 2006. The DO samples were collected as instantaneous values and do not represent diurnal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25539, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 33929
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected exceeded the SPWN objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the Austin Creek, East station (114WER118).
Temporal Representation: One Sample was collected in August 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25539, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 46839
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 85
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fourteen of the 85 samples collected in Austin Creek exceeded the minimum DO water quality objective. Data were divided into two categories, 1) no spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring and 2) spawning, incubation, and emergence occurring. Presence and absence of salmonid species was determined by utilizing CDFG map (Brooks 2002). Timing of spawning, incubation, and emergence was determined utilizing Steiner Environmental Consulting (1996). The DO values when no spawning, incubation, and emergence were occurring ranged from 2.8 mg/L to 11.2 mg/L (6 exceedences of the objective). DO values during times of spawning, incubation, and emergence ranged from 6.4 mg/L to 13.9 mg/L (8 exceedences of the objective). These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007). This LOE is a copy of LOE 8901 from the 2010 Integrated Report cycle. The only edit made to the original LOE was to change the pollutant fraction from "Total" to "Total Dissolved".
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008
  Map of Historical Salmonid Streams and Calwater 2.2a Hydrologic Sub-Areas. California Department of Fish and Game, Central Coast Region. IHRMP North Coast GIS Lab. Hopland, CA
  A History of the Salmonid Decline in the Russian River.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): (1) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 6.0 mg/L for waters designated as COLD. (2) Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 9.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN during critical spawning and egg incubation periods.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The water samples were collected at 3 locations in Austin Creek. The sites are in the lower section of the mainstem from below Cazadero to the confluence with the Russian River.
Temporal Representation: The DO samples were collected from February 2004 to November 2006. The DO samples were collected as instantaneous values and do not represent diurnal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
 
DECISION ID
18390
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Three line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It should be noted that data from a fourth LOE from the 2006 Integrated Report (LOE 1715) was re-assessed during this listing cycle in LOE 46806.

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) Zero of ninteen samples from Austin Creek and zero of one sample from East Austin Creek exceed the objective and these sample sizes are insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of either (a) 26 samples, or (b) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the MUN objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 18390, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 21331
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 specific conductivity grab samples collected from Austin Creek exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per 22 CCR 64449: The recommended secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is 900 uS/cm.
Guideline Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 18390, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44459
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Specific Conductance is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 18390, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 1715
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: On 3/27/2003 none of the values are in exceedance. On 5/19/2003 none of the values are in exceedance. On 7/8/2003 two of three stations have values in exceedance of the objective. On 9/9/2003 two of the three stations have values in exceedance of the objective. On 10/28/2003 two of the three stations have values in exceedance of the objective. For Austin Creek 3 months out of the 5 months of samples are in exceedance of the objective. (Sandler, 2004)
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Specific conductivity for Russian River (Downstream)- 50% upper and lower limits of 285 micromhos represent the 50 percentile values of the monthly means for a calendar year. 50% or more of the monthly means must be less than or equal to an upper limit and greater than or equal to a lower limit. 90% upper and lower limits of 375 micromhos represent the 90 percentile values for a calendar year. 90% or more of the values must be less than or equal to an upper limit and greater than or equal to a lower limit.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Sampling station AUS010 is located downstream of Laguna de Santa Rosa at the First bridge at the confluence with Russian River.
Sampling station AUS020 is located at 1180 Austin Creek Road.
Sampling station AUS030 is located near the Cazadero Bakery, just upstream of large culvert.
Temporal Representation: There are 5 months of sampling, with one day of samples for each month at each station. Samples were taken on the same days at each location in March, May, July, September and October 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 18390, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 46806
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 15 specific conductivity grab samples collected from Austin Creek exceeed the objective. This LOE replaces LOE 1715 from the 2006 Integrated Report. LOE 1715 incorrecly compared these data to the specific conductivity objective for the mainstem Russian River.
Data Reference: 303(d) list solicitation submittal data. 2004. Occidental, CA: Community Clean Water Institute
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Specific Conductance is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Sampling station AUS010 is located downstream of Laguna de Santa Rosa at the First bridge at the confluence with Russian River. Sampling station AUS020 is located at 1180 Austin Creek Road. Sampling station AUS030 is located near the Cazadero Bakery, just upstream of large culvert.
Temporal Representation: There are 5 months of sampling, with one day of samples for each month at each station. Samples were taken on the same days at each location in March, May, July, September and October 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community
Clean Water Institute.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 303(d) list solicitation submittal data. 2004. Occidental, CA: Community Clean Water Institute
 
 
DECISION ID
24464
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.2, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available to assess protection of the municipal and domestic supply (MUN) beneficial use.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) Zero of 5 samples from Austin Creek exceed the objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of 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 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 24464, Sulfates
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 44068
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Austin Creek, East - 114WER118 ]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 8/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 24464, Sulfates
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 25563
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 4 sulfate samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007, p. 3-3.00): Waters shall not contain taste- or odor-producing substances in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per 22 CCR 64449 (Table 64449-B): The recommended secondary maximum contaminant level for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
25385
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

One of one sample from East Austin Creek (LOE 33991) exceed the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2.

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 ninety-nine samples from Austin Creek (LOE 8898) exceed the 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25385, pH
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 33991
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The sample collected exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Statewide Ref Condition Management Plan 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample was collected from the Austin Creek, East station (114WER118).
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected in August 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25385, pH
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 8898
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 99
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of the 99 samples for pH collected in Austin Creek exceeded the pH water quality objective. The pH values ranged from 7.5 to 8.9. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program to assist the Regional Water Board in determining where TMDL initiation is appropriate within the Russian River Watershed (CCWI 2007).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The maximum pH objective is 8.5. The minimum pH objective is 6.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The water samples were collected at 3 locations in Austin Creek. The sites are in the lower section of the mainstem from below Cazadero to the confluence with the Russian River.
Temporal Representation: The pH samples were collected during 33 site visits from November 2004 to November 2006. The pH samples were collected as instantaneous measurements and do not represent diurnal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
 
DECISION ID
29860
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Atrazine | Azinphos, Ethyl (Ethyl Guthion) | Bolstar | Carbofuran | Chlordane | Chlorothalonil | Chlorpyrifos | Chlorpyrifos, methyl | Ciodrin | Dacthal | Demeton s | Dichlofenthion | Dichlorvos | Dieldrin | Dimethoate | Dioxathion | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | Endrin | Endrin Ketone | Ethion | Ethoprop | Famphur | Fenchlorphos | Fenitrothion | Fensulfothion | Fenthion | Glyphosate | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), alpha | Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), beta | Leptophos | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Merphos | Methidathion | Methoxychlor | Methyl Parathion | Mevinphos | Molinate | Naled | Oxadiazon | Oxychlordane | Phorate | Phosmet | Phosphamidon | Prometon (Prometone) | Prometryn | Propazine | Secbumeton | Simazine | Simetryn | Sulfotep | Tedion | Terbufos | Terbuthylazine | Terbutryn | Tetrachlorvinphos | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Thionazin | Tokuthion | Toxaphene | Trichlorfon | Trichloronate | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | cis-Nonachlor | delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH) | o,p'-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)) | o,p'-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | p,p'-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) | p,p'-DDE | p,p'-DDMU | trans-Nonachlor
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)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle. No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

These pollutants are 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 in LOE #30145 exceed the water quality objective.The pollutants in LOE #29884 do not have water quality objectives and, therefore, a decision could not be made. The samples were analyzed for 95 pesticides, pesticide constituents, isomers, or metabolites. For each of the 95 pesticide analytes, 3 to 4 samples were collected. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008). 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 370 samples for both LOEs, #29884, without criteria, or LOE #30145 with criteria, exceeded the water quality guidelines 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 Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 29860, Multiple Pollutants
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 30145
 
Pollutant: Aldrin | Atrazine | Carbofuran | Chlordane | Chlorpyrifos | Dacthal | Dieldrin | Endrin | Glyphosate | Heptachlor | Heptachlor epoxide | Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB | Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), alpha | Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), beta | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Methoxychlor | Molinate | Simazine | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 370
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 370 pesticide samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the objective as all of the samples were either measured as non-detect or were measured as detected but not quantified with reporting limits below objectives or evaluation guidelines. The samples were analyzed for 95 pesticides, pesticide constituents, isomers, or metabolites. For each of the 95 pesticide analytes, 3 to 4 samples were collected. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply shall not contain concentrations of pesticides in excess of the limiting concentrations set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Article 4, Section 64444, and listed in Table 3.2 of the Basin Plan.
No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of the pesticides assessed for this waterbody for the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use could be found that meet the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Hexachlorocyclohexane, alpha (0.0026 ug/l)
Hexachlorocyclohexane, beta (0.0091ug/l)
Aldrin (0.000049 ug/l)
Atrazine (0.001 ug/l)
Carbofuran (0.04 mg/l)
Chlordane (0.0001 ug/l)
Chlorpyrifos (0.083 ug/l)
Dacthal (70 ug/l)
Dieldrin (0.00014 ug/l)
Endrin (0.002 ug/l)
Glyphosate (700 ug/l)
Heptachlor (0.01 ug/l)
Heptachlor epoxide (0.01 ug/l)
Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB (0.001 ug/l)
Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) (.98 ug/l)
Methoxychlor (0.03 mg/l)
Molinate (0.02 mg/l)
Simazine (0.04 mg/l)
Thiobencarb/Bolero (0.07 mg/l)
Toxaphene (0.003 mg/l)
Guideline Reference: National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA
  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
  California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 29860, Multiple Pollutants
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 29884
 
Pollutant: Azinphos, Ethyl (Ethyl Guthion) | Bolstar | Carbofuran | Chlorothalonil | Chlorpyrifos, methyl | Ciodrin | Demeton s | Dichlofenthion | Dichlorvos | Dimethoate | Dioxathion | Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos) | Endrin Ketone | Ethion | Ethoprop | Famphur | Fenchlorphos | Fenitrothion | Fensulfothion | Fenthion | Leptophos | Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) | Merphos | Methidathion | Methyl Parathion | Mevinphos | Naled | Oxadiazon | Oxychlordane | Phorate | Phosmet | Phosphamidon | Prometon (Prometone) | Prometryn | Propazine | Secbumeton | Simetryn | Sulfotep | Tedion | Terbufos | Terbuthylazine | Terbutryn | Tetrachlorvinphos | Thiobencarb/Bolero | Thionazin | Tokuthion | Trichlorfon | Trichloronate | beta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or beta-HCH) | cis-Nonachlor | delta-BHC (Benzenehexachloride or delta-HCH) | o,p'-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)) | o,p'-DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | p,p'-DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) | p,p'-DDE | p,p'-DDMU | trans-Nonachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 370
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 370 pesticide samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the objective as all of the samples were either measured as non-detect or were measured as detected but not quantified with reporting limits below objectives or evaluation guidelines. The samples were analyzed for 95 pesticides, pesticide constituents, isomers, or metabolites. For each of the 95 pesticide analytes, 3 to 4 samples were collected. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life. Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply shall not contain concentrations of pesticides in excess of the limiting concentrations set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Article 4, Section 64444, and listed in Table 3.2 of the Basin Plan.
No evaluation guidelines for the dissolved fractions of the pesticides assessed for this waterbody for the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use could be found that meet the requirements of Section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
25384
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: 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)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle. No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report 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 81 nitrate samples exceed the 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) None of the 81 samples exceed the pesticides water quality 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 Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25384, Nitrate
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 8902
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 81
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 81 nitrate as nitrogen samples collected in Austin Creek exceeded the objective. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (detection limits of 0.02 mg/L - 0.04 mg/L) to 0.07 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, CCWI 2007).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The water quality objective for nitrate as nitrogen is 45 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The water samples were collected at 3 locations in Austin Creek. The sites are in the lower section of the mainstem from below Cazadero to the confluence with the Russian River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from February 2004 to October 2006.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007). At each site a grab sample was collected using a container on a pole or by a bucket attached to a rope. The samples were then put into sterilized Whirl Pak bags, put into coolers on ice, and brought to the lab for analysis.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
24501
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous Integrated Report cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report 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 200 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) samples exceed the evaluation guideline. 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not 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) None of the 200 samples exceeded the PCB evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency of 18 per the binomial distribution described in Section 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 Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 24501, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 25479
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 200
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 200 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) analytes collected in Austin Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. Each of the 4 samples were analyzed for 50 PCB cogeners. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007, p. 3-4.00): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the "Public Health Goal for Water Soluble Polychlorinated Biphenyls Expected to Found in Drinking Water" (OEHHA 2007): The health-protective concentration of water-soluble PCBs in
drinking water associated with a one in one million extra lifetime cancer risk is 0.09 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Public Health Goal for Water Soluble Polychlorinated Biphenyls Expected to Be Found in Drinking Water. Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Branch, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Austin Creek near the confluence with the Russian River (SWAMP Station ID 114AUSCRK). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected over 4 site visits from November 2004 to June 2005. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
25657
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
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)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle. No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report 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.

It is unknown if any of the phosphorus samples exceed the water quality objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients such as phosphorus do not impair beneficial uses by themselves, or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List.

Therefore, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient information available to determine if it is appropriate to place this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is also 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) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Note: Lines of evidence for both orthophosphate and total dissolved phosphorus data support this Decision. Total dissolved phosphorus includes orthophosphate. Phosphorus is used as the pollutant for this Decision because it includes both fractions and is easier to understand its relationship to other nutrients and the water quality objective.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25657, Phosphorus
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 1716
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples:
Number of Exceedances:
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Samples were taken at sampling stations AUS010, AUS020 and AUS030. Sample phosphate concentrations ranged from 0.016 to 0.098 mg/L.
(Sandler, 2004)
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan does not have a water quality objective for orthophosphate.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: There is no appropriate interpretive evaluation guideline for orthophosphate.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: There are three sampling locations. AUS010 is located downstream of Laguna de Santa Rosa, at the first bridge, confluence with Russian River. AUS020 is located at 1180 Austin Creek Road. AUS030 is located near the Cazadero Bakery, just upstream of large culvert
Temporal Representation: Samples were taken at AUS010 one time, once a month during May, July and October 2003. Samples were taken at AUS020 one time, once a month during March, May, July and October 2003. Samples were taken at AUS030 one time, once a month during March, May, July and October 2003.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Draft QAPP for Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Project for the Community Clean Water Institute.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 25657, Phosphorus
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 9023
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Warm Freshwater Habitat | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: It is unknown whether any of the 80 phosphorus samples collected in Austin Creek exceed the objective as there is insufficient information available to determine exceedance. Specifically, the samples cannot be compared to the objective because diel samples for dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, and/or chlorophyll-a are not available. Nutrients, such as phosphorus, alone do not impair beneficial uses or cause non-attainment of the objective. Rather, they cause indirect impacts through algal growth and extreme diel patterns for DO and pH, which then impair uses. Waterbody-specific factors such as riparian cover, flow conditions, and stream channel configuration also affect how nutrients are processed within the stream and play a large role in determining whether or not nuisance algal conditions will prevail. For these reasons, comparing a single nutrient value to the biostimulatory objective is not recommended. Instead, nutrient-related indicator parameters, such as diel measurements of DO, pH, and/or chlorophyll-a, should be evaluated to determine attainment of the objective and protection of beneficial uses. When nutrient-related indicator parameters exceed targets, nutrient concentrations will then be analyzed to determine whether phosphorus should be added to a possible listing under the 303(d) List. The sample concentrations range from non-detect (reporting limits of 0.03 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L) to 0.167 mg/L. These samples were collected by the Community Clean Water Institute’s Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program (CCWI 2005, CCWI 2006, and CCWI 2007).
Data Reference: Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2005. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2006. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on August 25, 2008
  Community Clean Water Institute Master Data for 2004. Downloaded from http://ccwi.org/issues/data.htm on October 1, 2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The water samples were collected at 3 locations in Austin Creek. The sites are in the lower section of the mainstem from below Cazadero to the confluence with the Russian River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from February 2004 to November 2006.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Samples were collected in accordance with the "Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods" (CCWI 2007).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Community Clean Water Institute Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Program Sampling and Analysis Methods. Updated April 12, 2007
 
 
DECISION ID
20261
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
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)(2010)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification | Removal of Riparian Vegetation | Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Water Board Conclusion:

This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: No new data were assessed for this assessment cycle. The conclusion reached in the previous cycle remains the same. The Regional Board will update this decision when new data and information become available in a future assessment cycle.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 20261, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 1     
Russian River HU, Lower Russian River HA, Austin Creek HSA
 
LOE ID: 4756
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 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:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):