Final California 2014 and 2016 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA
Water Body ID:	CAR1052103419990610171042
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	32997	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

Pollutant:	Nutrients
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
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 removal from the Section 303(d) List under Section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. There are nine lines of evidence that are available in the administrative record to assess the existing nutrients listing. The Salmon River was added to the 303(d) List for nutrients in 1992. Regional Board staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate the impact of nutrients in the Salmon River watershed. Based on these eight lines of evidence that there is no indication that nutrients are impacting the Salmon River HA. NCRWQCB staff recommends that the Salmon River be de-listed for nutrients. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) The narrative nutrient information as well as the observations of attached algae indicates that nutrients are not reaching nuisance levels in the Salmon River HA. Analytical results of nutrient grab samples were generally non-detect and they did not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. (4) Pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1648

Pollutant:

Phosphorus

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for Phosphorus in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 measurements in total the majority of which were non-detects. With all non-detect values at the Mainstem Salmon River at USGS Gage Station; All non-detects and a value of 0 on 6/10/2002 at Wooley Creek Station; With all non-detects at Mainstem Salmon River at Forks of Salmon Station; All non-detects at North Fork Salmon at Sawyers Bar Station; and all non-detect values at South Fork Salmon at Cecilville (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Water 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Phosphorus is considered in the narrative objective for bio-stimulatory substances. There are no applicable criteria for Phosphorus that could be used for the Salmon River. In 2002, SWRCB staff recommended not listing for elemental phosphorus for Laguna de Santa Rosa because there was no appropriate phosphorus objective or evaluation guideline to interpret the narrative objective that was available to the NCRWQCB.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

There were 5 sampling locations. The sampling locations included the North Fork downstream of Sawyers Bar, the South Fork downstream of Cecilville, the Salmon River downstream of Forks of Salmon and Salmon River near the mouth. In addition, grab samples were collected near the mouth of Wooley Creek; this site was considered a control site, as the sub-watershed is a wilderness area.

Temporal Representation:

The Salmon River was added to the list for nutrients in 1992. In the summer of 2002 NCRWQCB Staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate impairment of the Salmon River by nutrients. The monitoring plan involved collecting grab samples on three consecutive days once per month in June through October 2002 at locations in the Salmon River watershed located immediately downstream of community centers within the watershed.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1641

Pollutant:

Nutrients

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Nuisance

Matrix:

Not Specified

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:

In all but a few cases, all nutrient parameters were non-detect. There is no indication that the Salmon River Watershed is impaired by nutrients. Observations of attached algae indicate that aquatic plants do not reach nuisance levels. Quasi-Quantitative surveys of the percent cover of attached algae in the river at the monitoring location were conducted in July and August 2002. The surveys involved making visual assessments of the percent cover of attached algae and the conditions of the algal community within the immediate vicinity of the monitoring locations (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).The Salmon River, tributary to the Klamath River in Siskiyou County, was included in a nutrient impaired listing of Hydrologic Unit 105.00 (Klamath River Basin) pursuant to the requirements of CWA 303(d). The Klamath River mainstem is the subject of separate analysis and TMDL development for impairments, of which nutrients is one.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Water shall not contain bio-stimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

The rationale for conducting the survey was to evaluate the "nuisance" growths of aquatic plants, in relation to the narrative objective for bio-stimulatory substances in the Basin Plan.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The Salmon River was added to the list for nutrients in 1992. In the summer of 2002 NCRWQCB Staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate impairment of the Salmon River by nutrients. The monitoring plan involved collecting grab samples on three consecutive days once per month in June through October at locations in the Salmon River watershed located immediately downstream of community centers within the watershed.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

North Coast RWQCB QA.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1642

Pollutant:

Nutrients

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Nuisance

Matrix:

-N/A

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:

In all but a few cases, all nutrient parameters were non-detect. Based on the available data, there is no indication that nutrients are impairing the Salmon River watershed. Analytical results of nutrient grab samples were generally non-detect. Observations of attached algae, presence of which represents a primary biological response to nutrient concentrations in streams, indicate that aquatic plants do not reach nuisance levels (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Water shall not contain bio-stimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

The rationale for conducting the survey was to evaluate the "nuisance" growths of aquatic plants, in relation to the narrative objective for bio-stimulatory substances in the Basin Plan.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The Salmon River was added to the list for nutrients in 1992. In the summer of 2002 NCRWQCB Staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate impairment of the Salmon River by nutrients. The monitoring plan involved collecting grab samples on three consecutive days once per month in June through October at locations in the Salmon River watershed located immediately downstream of community centers within the watershed.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1646

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for Nitrate/Nitrite as Nitrogen in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 measurements in total the majority of which were non-detects. With all non-detect values at the Mainstem Salmon River at USGS Gage Station; All non-detects at Wooley Creek Station; With non-detects and one value of 0.15 on 6/11/02 at Mainstem Salmon River at Forks of Salmon Station; All non-detects at North Fork Salmon at Sawyers Bar Station; and non-detect values and one value at 0.058 at South Fork Salmon at Cecilville (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Nitrate/Nitrite as Nitrogen applicable to Salmon River HA. There is a Municipal Beneficial Use for Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

With regards to the Municipal beneficial use applicable to Salmon River. The MCL Criteria for Nitrate/Nitrite as Nitrogen apply. Title 22(www.calregs.com) Table 64431-A lists the MCL--Inorganic Chemicals criteria for Nitrate/Nitrite as Nitrogen as 10.0 mg/L.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1645

Pollutant:

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for TKN in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 measurements in total the majority of which were non detects. With non-detect values and one value of 0.7 on 7/23/02 at the Mainstem Salmon River at USGS Gage Station; All non-detects at Wooley Creek Station; With non-detects and one value of 0.6 on 7/23/02 at Mainstem Salmon River at Forks of Salmon Station; All non-detects at North Fork Salmon at Sawyers Bar Station; and non-detect values and one value at 0.8 at South Fork Salmon at Cecilville (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) applicable to Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The Salmon River was added to the list for nutrients in 1992. In the summer of 2002 NCRWQCB Staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate impact of the nutrients in the Salmon River. The monitoring plan involved collecting grab samples on three consecutive days once per month in June through October 2002 at locations in the Salmon River watershed located immediately downstream of community centers within the watershed.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1649

Pollutant:

Chlorophyll-a

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for Chlorophyll-a in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 measurements the majority of which were nondetects (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Chlorophyll-a applicable to Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There are no applicable criteria for Chlorophyll-a that could be used for the Salmon River.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1643

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Nuisance

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for pH in addition to dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. They were measured using an YSI 600XL datasondes when grab samples were collected. There were 25 pH measurements in total with an average pH of 7.55. The WQO for Salmon River is attained by all samples except for one measurement taken on 6/11/02 that was below the 7.0 WQO at 6.97 (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: The pH shall conform to those limits listed in Table 3-1. For waters not listed in Table 3-1 and where pH objectives are not prescribed, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5. Changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.2 units in waters with designated marine (MAR) or saline (SAL) beneficial uses nor 0.5 units within the range specified above in fresh waters with designated COLD or WARM beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Table 3-1 in the NCRWQCB Basin Plan lists the Salmon River HA (All streams) WQO for pH as a minimum at 7.0 and the maximum at 8.5.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1647

Pollutant:

Ammonia as Nitrogen

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for Ammonia as Nitrogen in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 measurements in total the majority of which were non-detects. With non-detect values and a value at 0.052 on 6/10/2002, and another at 0.062 on 7/23/2002 at the mainstem Salmon River at USGS Gage Station; Non-detects and a value of 0.056 on 6/10/2002 and 0.052 on 7/22/2002 at Wooley Creek Station; With all non-detects at mainstem Salmon River at Forks of Salmon Station; All non-detects at North Fork Salmon at Sawyers Bar Station; and all non-detect values at South Fork Salmon at Cecilville (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for Ammonia as Nitrogen applicable to Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

There are no applicable criteria for Ammonia as Nitrogen that applies.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32997, Nutrients	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1651

Pollutant:

Total Organic Carbon (TOC)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for TOC in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 22 TOC measurements in total. The average of the samples taken was 1.10. The range of the measurements taken between June and October 2002 was 0.9 to 1.7 (North Coast RWQCB, 2004c).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for TOC for Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	35813	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Erosion/Siltation \| Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification \| Logging Road Construction/Maintenance \| Mine Tailings \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation \| Silviculture
TMDL Name:	Salmon River Temperature
TMDL Project Code:	109
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	03/29/2006
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	DELIST REFERENCE STREAMS: The following streams are being proposed for delisting from the section 303(d) list for Temperature under section 4.11 of the Listing Policy: (a) Uncles Creek and its Tributaries (LOE 31577); (b) Plummer Creek and its tributaries (LOE 31575); (c) the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (LOE 31573); (d) Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries (LOE 31576); (e) the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork (LOE 31574); and (f) the South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch (LOE 31579). The streams listed above are temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, temperature conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing (a) Uncles Creek and its Tributaries, (b) Plummer Creek and its tributaries, (c) the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries), (d) Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries, (e) the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork, and (f) the South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch from the section 303(d) list for temperature. 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 streams listed above meet the criteria for reference water bodies (LOEs 31573, 31574, 31575, 31576, 31577, and 31579) and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, temperature conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions, which indicates attainment of the temperature water quality objective. (3) This process is scientifically defensible and reproducible. DO NOT DELIST NON-REFERENCE STREAMS: The remainder of this water body (non-reference streams) is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list for temperature under section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in non-reference streams: LOEs 9128, 9129, 9123, 9121, 7461, 31593, and 1653. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing the non-reference streams from the section 303(d) list for temperature (i.e., sufficient justification to not delist). 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) Human disturbance (LOEs 9129 and 9123), road densities (LOEs 9128 and 9121), and MWMTs (LOEs 7461 and 31593) within the non-reference portions of the North Fork and Upper South Fork Watersheds exceed their respecitve evaluation guidelines. (3) 303(d) listing determinations made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. LOE 1653 is a placeholder for the 303(d) listing data and information for all streams in this water body from a previous assessment cycle that was initially utilized to make this listing determination. (4) This process is scientifically defensible and reproducible.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31575

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

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 NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Recommendations for the development and maintenance of a reference condition management program (RCMP) to support biological assessment of California's wadeable streams. Report to the State Water Resources Control Board's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Technical Report 581.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31573

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries) water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries) water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries) water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions..

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries).

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31576

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31574

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions..

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31593

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Two of 2 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples collected in the South Fork Salmon River within the Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the confluence with Garden Gulch to the confluence with the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River water body exceeded the evaluation guideline. MWMT values were 21.5 C and 22.4 C (KNF 2008). This LOE and LOE 31592 replace LOE 9125.

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Per the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Plan" (USFS 2010) the Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the confluence with Garden Gulch to the confluence with the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River has been identified as a managed watershed with anthropogenically altered watershed conditions resulting in non-natural stream temperatures. If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.

Guideline Reference:

EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from the mainstem South Fork Salmon River 1/4 mile upstream of the East Fork South Fork Salmon River.

Temporal Representation:

Near-continuous temperature samples were collected from October 1990 to September 1991 and mid - May 1997 to mid-October 1997.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g. seasonality, land use practives, fire events, sotrms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Temperature data were colelcted in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

9128

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2000), the road density in the North Fork Salmon River Watershed is 1.03 mi / sq. mi. Of the 210 total miles of road in the 130,394 acre watershed, 76.4 mi of road are located within 105 m of a stream (KNF 2000). The exceedance of the evaluation guideline is due to the significant number of road miles located near stream channels and in valley bottoms.

Data Reference:

Attachment E: Roads & Hydrologic Connectivity. Northern California Province Category 1 watersheds meeting "management-constrained" criteria. March 2000

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The 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 by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

The density of roads within a watershed can impact water temperature and alter natural conditions. Near-stream roads that run parallel to a waterbody do not allow for vegetation to grow and produce shade. Roads are also a major source of erosion and sedimentation on most managed forest lands. Excess sediment in the stream channel can result in higher water temperatures as pools fill in with sediment and channels widen in response to the increased load. Per NOAA Fisheries (1996), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for road density and location is less than 2 miles of road per square mile of watershed with no valley bottom roads.

Guideline Reference:

Making Endangered Species Act Determinations of Effect for Individual or Group Actions at the Watershed Scale. Prepared by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service Environmental and Technical Services Division Habitat Conservation Branch

Spatial Representation:

Road density and location information were assessed for the entire North Fork Salmon River Watershed.

Temporal Representation:

The road density and location data from the Klamath National Forest is current as of early 2000.

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:

Model results were calculated as part of the Equivalent Roaded Area (ERA) Model conducted by staff of the Klamath National Forest in accordance with the procedures described by Elder and Reichert (2004).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quantitative Models for Surface Erosion, Mass-wasting and ERA/TOC. CWE 2004. Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis Process Paper. Klamath National Forest

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

9121

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2000), the road density in the Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed (the watershed upstream of the confluence with the East Fork South Fork Salmon River) is 1.24 mi / sq. mi. Of the 230 total miles of road in the 118,390 square mile watershed, 91.1 mi of road are located within 105 m of a stream (KNF 2000). The exceedance of the evaluation guideline is due to the significant number of road miles located near stream channels and in valley bottoms.

Data Reference:

Attachment E: Roads & Hydrologic Connectivity. Northern California Province Category 1 watersheds meeting "management-constrained" criteria. March 2000

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Road density and location information were assessed for the entire Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed.

Temporal Representation:

The road density and location data from the Klamath National Forest is current as of early 2000.

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:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quantitative Models for Surface Erosion, Mass-wasting and ERA/TOC. CWE 2004. Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis Process Paper. Klamath National Forest

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

9123

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

More than 15% of the Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed (the watershed upstream of the confluence with the East Fork South Fork Salmon River) is subject to disturbance by human activities. Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2001, Attachment F), 40% of the watershed is a congressionally designated Wilderness Area. An additional 25% of the lands are managed as late-successional reserves, which limits management activities to those which promote old-growth habitat. Less than 1% of the watershed is privately owned. This leaves, at a minimum, 35% to 36% of the watershed subject to disturbance activities.

Data Reference:

Attachment F: Supporting Narrative for Upslope, Channel and Habitat-associated Criteria (1-9) Rating Rationale. Klamath National Forest's Northern Province Category 1 Watersheds which meet "management-constrained" criteria

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Human disturbance within a watershed can impact water temperature and alter natural conditions. Activities that remove or reduce shade-producing vegetation, or that result in a discharge of sediment to a stream, can increase stream temperatures. Per NOAA Fisheries (1996), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for disturbance history is for the entire watershed to be less than 15% disturbed with no concentration of disturbance in (1) unstable areas, (2) potentially unstable areas, (3) refugia, and/or (4) riparian areas. For areas under the Northwest Forest Plan (which includes the Upper South Fork Salmon River watershed), the guideline for the properly functioning condition for disturbance history is also for there to be at least 15% retention of late succession and old growth forest in the watershed.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The disturbance and land use information was assessed for the entire Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed (the watershed upstream of the confluence with the East Fork South Fork Salmon River).

Temporal Representation:

The disturbance and land use information from the Klamath National Forest is current as of 2001.

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:

Land use information was generated from GIS-based data sources of high quality and resolution.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31577

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31579

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

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. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Data Reference:

Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this waterbody.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31592

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 6 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples collected in the Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch (except Rush Creek and its Tributaries) water body exceeded the objective, as this water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperatures in this water body reflect natural conditions. This LOE and LOE 31593 replace LOE 9125.

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch (except Rush Creek and its Tributaries) water body has been identified as a temperature reference water body in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify temperature reference water bodies. Temperature reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) no evidence of human-caused reduction in stream shade is apparent in aerial photos, 2) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 3) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no best management practice violations, and 4) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions. The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch (except Rush Creek and its Tributaries)water body meets the criteria for temperature reference water bodies, and thus, temperature conditions in this water body reflect natural conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from two locations in the mainstem South Fork Salmon River: 1) at Petersburg and 2) at Big Flat.

Temporal Representation:

Near-continuous temperature samples were collected from 1) the South Fork Salmon River at Petersburg from mid-June 1999 to mid-November 1999, early June 2001 to early November 2001, late May 2002 to late November 2002, and from late June 2006 to mid-October 2006 and 2) the South Fork Salmon River at Big Flat from mid-July 2004 through September 2004, and early April 2006 to mid-October 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g. seasonality, land use practives, fire events, sotrms, etc.) that are related to these data.

QAPP Information:

Temperature data were colelcted in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1653

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 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:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

7461

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The natural receiving water temperature of the North Fork Salmon River has been altered by human activities. This is demonstrated by exceedances of the evaluation guidelines in the number of near-stream and valley bottom roads (see LOE 9128), the amount of the watershed subject to human disturbance (see LOE 9129), and the estimated accelerated mass wasting and soil erosion from timber harvest, roads, and wildfire (see LOE 9130). Activities that remove or reduce shade-producing vegetation, or that result in a discharge of sediment to a stream, can increase stream temperatures. In order to determine if water temperatures adversely affect salmonids, the most sensitive beneficial use in the North Fork Salmon River, temperature data were analyzed. Of the 18 MWMT values calculated from near-continuous summertime temperature samples collected in the North Fork Salmon River, all 18 exceed the evaluation guideline. MWMT values range from 16.1 to 26.4 C. Data are summarized by the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2008).

Data Reference:

Stream Temperatures, Klamath River Basin. Includes data for Thompson Creek, Grider Creek, Clear Creek, Wooley Creek, North Fork Salmon River, and South Fork Salmon River

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.

Guideline Reference:

EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.

Spatial Representation:

Temperature samples were collected from 7 locations in the mainstem North Fork Salmon River as follows: (1) 200 yards upstream of Mule Bridge; (2) 200 yards downstream of Mule Bridge; (3) at Rattlesnake Gulch; (4) below the junction with Kelly Gulch; (5) at the Little North Fork Salmon River; (6) at the junction with Big Creek; and (7) upstream of Forks of Salmon.

Temporal Representation:

Temperature samples were collected (1) upstream of Mule Bridge from early July to early November 2000, from early July to early December 2004, and from mid-March to mid-October 2006; (2) downstream of Mule Bridge from early June to early November 2001, and from late May to late November 2002; (3) at Rattlesnake Gulch from late May to early October 1999; (4) below Kelly Gulch from mid-July to mid-November 1999, and from early July through September 2000; (5) at the Little North Fork Salmon River from early June to mid-November 1999, and from mid-July to late October 2006; (6) from mid-July to mid-September 2002; and (7) upstream of Forks of Salmon from mid-May to late October 1997, from mid-July to mid-November 1999, from early July to early November 2000, from early June to mid-October 2001, from late May to mid-November 2002, from early July to late November 2004, and from late June through September 2006.

Environmental Conditions:

There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to the temperature data.

QAPP Information:

Temperature data was collected in accordance with the quality assurance guidelines described by Schuyler (2008).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Memorandum from John Schuyler, Klamath Nation Forest, to Rebecca Fitzgerald, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Regarding the 303(d) DeListing Request

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35813, Temperature, water	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

9129

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

More than 15% of the North Fork Salmon River Watershed is subject to disturbance by human activities. Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2001, Attachment F), 42% of the watershed is a congressionally designated Wilderness Area. An additional 25% of the lands are managed as late-successional reserves, which limits management activities to those which promote old-growth habitat. Less than 1% of the watershed is privately owned. This leaves, at a minimum, 32% to 33% of the watershed subject to disturbance activities.

Data Reference:

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The disturbance and land use information was assessed for the entire North Fork Salmon River Watershed.

Temporal Representation:

The disturbance and land use information from the Klamath National Forest is current as of 2001.

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:

Land use information was generated from GIS-based data sources of high quality and resolution.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	32869	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	The pollutant name has been changed from "Total Coliform" to "Indicator Bacteria". Fecal indicator bacteria are being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) list under Section 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections a single line of evidence (LOE) is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for Total Coliform is available in the administrative record, however, the LOE was not utilized in this decision (noted as "Insufficient Information") as total coliform are widespread in nature and occur in non-fecal sources such as soil and submerged wood. 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 is due to the fact that there are no appropriate freshwater indicator bacteria data available (E. Coli or Fecal Coliform) to assess this water body.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 32869, Indicator Bacteria	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1652

Pollutant:

Total Coliform

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for total coliform in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. The measurements taken for the month of July 2002 at the 5 sample locations resulted in a median total coliform value of 40/100ml. The WQO is that the median fecal coliform concentration based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period shall not exceed 50/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400/100 ml. The data collected for the month of July appear to show that the WQO is not exceeded. There was also in formation collected at the 5 sampling locations for the month of October the data reports "detect" only for all measurements taken. (North Coast RWQCBc, 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: (Total Coliform included) The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels. In no case shall coliform concentrations in waters of the North Coast Region exceed the following:
In waters designated for contact recreation (REC-1), the median fecal coliform concentration based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period shall not exceed 50/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400/100 ml (State Department of Health Services).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	41271	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

Pollutant:	Sediment
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Eleven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 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) The following streams are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities and therefore, sediment conditions in these water bodies reflect natural conditions: Uncles Creek and its Tributaries (LOE 31567); Plummer Creek and its tributaries (LOE 31563); the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries) (LOE 31561); Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries (LOE 31566); the North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River (LOE 31562); and the South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch (LOE 31565). (4) Zero of 1 V* value for each of the following creeks exceed the objective: Taylor Creek (LOE 32766), the Upper South Fork Salmon River (LOE 32745), and the Little North Fork Salmon River (LOE 32742). (5) Road densities in the North Fork Salmon River watershed and Upper South Fork Salmon River watershed do not exceed the evaluation guideline. (6) 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:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

32745

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Adverse Biological Responses

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

This stream is a "reference" stream (see LOE 31565 for description of reference stream criteria). Therefore, sediment conditions in the South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives. The V* value for the reach in the Upper South Fork Salmon River was 0.076 (8%) which is less than the desired condition of 21%. For V* determinations, fine sediment was defined as sand and gravel deposits with a median grain size (D50) ,11 mm, following the suggestions of Hilton and Lisle (1993).

Data Reference:

Quantitative linkages among sediment supply, streambed fine sediment, and benthic macroinvertebrates in northern California streams. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 2008. 27(1):135-149.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

The salmonid freshwater habitat desired condition for V* is less than or equal to 0.21 or 21%. This numeric value is applicable in 3rd order streams with slopes between 1% and 4%. The V* desired condition value is only applicable to streams that drain watersheds geologically composed of the Franciscan Formation.

Guideline Reference:

Desired Salmonid Freshwater Habitat Conditions for Sediment-Related Indices. State of California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Spatial Representation:

Eleven to 20 pools were surveyed at site USF in the Upper South Fork Salmon River. V* values from all pools in a reach were weighted by the residual pool volumes and averaged to obtain a reach-wide V* value. Watersheds and study reaches met the following criteria: 1) stream channel gradient between 1.5 and 4%, 2) gravel and cobble substrate, 3) bedrock lithology that produces abundant fine sediment (predominantly sand-sized particles from highlyweathered granitic plutons), 4) no recent channel scouring debris flows that directly affected the sampling reach, 5) known use by anadromous fishes, and 6) minimal human land use other than forest management activities (i.e., timber harvest, roads, recreation, and grazing).

Temporal Representation:

The study site in the Upper South Fork Salmon River (USF) was sampled during the Autumn of 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Data were published in J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc., 2008, 27(1):135-149, as "Quantitative linkages among sediment supply, streambed fine sediment, and benthic macroinvertebrates in northern California streams" by Cover et al.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31561

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries) water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses; waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses; and waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nusance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries) water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork to the downstream boundary of the Marble Mountain Wilderness (except the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork and its tributaries).

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31562

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, North Fork Salmon River and its Tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Right Hand Fork of the North Fork.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31563

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, Plummer Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31565

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the headwaters to the confluence with Garden Gulch.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31566

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Right Hand Fork of the North Fork Salmon River and its tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31567

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries water bodies and is not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities which indicates attainment of sediment water quality objectives.

Data Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Evidence of anthropogenic alterations to sediment conditions was assessed to determine compliance with the sediment water quality objectives. Sediment reference water bodies must meet the following criteria: 1) road density must be less than 0.19 km/km squared (0.30 mi/mi squared) with no significant failures (this road density value also signifies low past timber harvest intensity), 2) less than 10% of the drainage area is grazed and there are no Best Management Practices violations, and 3) mining activities have no significant sediment inputs. Water bodies with natural disturbance were included in the reference pool as a component of the natural variability in conditions.

Sediment conditions in the Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries water body meet these criteria, reflect natural conditions, and are not significantly altered by anthropogenic activities as documented in the "Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan" (USFS 2010). Klamath National Forest (KNF) staff followed the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program guidance for screening and identifying reference water bodies (Ode 2009). Regional Water Board staff at the North Coast Region reviewed and approved the criteria that were developed by the KNF to identify sediment reference water bodies.

Guideline Reference:

Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan and Quality Assurance Project Plan

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA, Sawyers Bar HSA, Uncles Creek and its Tributaries.

Temporal Representation:

Information is representative of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Process for identifying reference streams was reviewed and approved by staff and magement at the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Signed monitoring plan and QAPP provided.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

QAPP portion of the Klamath National Forest Sediment and Temperature Monitoring Plan.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

26341

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The road density in the North Fork Salmon River Watershed does not exceed the evaluation guideline as it applies to the sediment objective. Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2000), the road density in the North Fork Salmon River Watershed is 1.03 mi / sq. mi. Of the 210 total miles of road in the 130,394 acre watershed, 76.4 mi of road are located within 105 m of a stream (KNF 2000). While there are a significant number of road miles located near stream channels and in valley bottoms, the water quality impact from near stream roads applies more directly to the temperature objective than to the sediment objective.

Data Reference:

Attachment E: Roads & Hydrologic Connectivity. Northern California Province Category 1 watersheds meeting "management-constrained" criteria. March 2000

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Road density and location information were assessed for the entire North Fork Salmon River Watershed.

Temporal Representation:

The road density and location data from the Klamath National Forest is current as of early 2000.

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:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quantitative Models for Surface Erosion, Mass-wasting and ERA/TOC. CWE 2004. Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis Process Paper. Klamath National Forest

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

26340

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Land use information and location of sources

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The road density in the Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed (the watershed upstream of the confluence with the East Fork South Fork Salmon River) does not exceed the evaluation guideline as it applies to the sediment objective. Per the Klamath National Forest (KNF 2000), the road density in the Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed is 1.24 mi / sq. mi. Of the 230 total miles of road in the 118,390 square mile watershed, 91.1 mi of road are located within 105 m of a stream (KNF 2000). While there are a significant number of road miles located near stream channels and in valley bottoms, the water quality impact from near stream roads applies more directly to the temperature objective than to the sediment objective.

Data Reference:

Attachment E: Roads & Hydrologic Connectivity. Northern California Province Category 1 watersheds meeting "management-constrained" criteria. March 2000

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Road density and location information were assessed for the entire Upper South Fork Salmon River Watershed.

Temporal Representation:

The road density and location data from the Klamath National Forest is current as of early 2000.

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:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quantitative Models for Surface Erosion, Mass-wasting and ERA/TOC. CWE 2004. Cumulative Watershed Effects Analysis Process Paper. Klamath National Forest

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

32724

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Adverse Biological Responses

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The V* value for the reach in the Little North Fork Salmon River was 0.066 (6%) which is less than the desired condition of 21%. For V* determinations, fine sediment was defined as sand and gravel deposits with a median grain size (D50) ,11 mm, following the suggestions of Hilton and Lisle (1993).

Data Reference:

Quantitative linkages among sediment supply, streambed fine sediment, and benthic macroinvertebrates in northern California streams. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 2008. 27(1):135-149.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Desired Salmonid Freshwater Habitat Conditions for Sediment-Related Indices. State of California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Spatial Representation:

Eleven to 20 pools were surveyed at site LNF in the Little North Fork Salmon River. V* values from all pools in a reach were weighted by the residual pool volumes and averaged to obtain a reach-wide V* value. Watersheds and study reaches met the following criteria: 1) stream channel gradient between 1.5 and 4%, 2) gravel and cobble substrate, 3) bedrock lithology that produces abundant fine sediment (predominantly sand-sized particles from highlyweathered granitic plutons), 4) no recent channel scouring debris flows that directly affected the sampling reach, 5) known use by anadromous fishes, and 6) minimal human land use other than forest management activities (i.e., timber harvest, roads, recreation, and grazing).

Temporal Representation:

The study site in the Little North Fork Salmon River (LNF) was sampled during the Autumn of 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 41271, Sediment	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

32766

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Adverse Biological Responses

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

HABITAT ASSESSMENT

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The V* value for the reach in Taylor Creek was 0.123 (12%) which is less than the desired condition of 21%. For V* determinations, fine sediment was defined as sand and gravel deposits with a median grain size (D50) ,11 mm, following the suggestions of Hilton and Lisle (1993).

Data Reference:

Quantitative linkages among sediment supply, streambed fine sediment, and benthic macroinvertebrates in northern California streams. J. N. Am. Benthol. Soc. 2008. 27(1):135-149.

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Desired Salmonid Freshwater Habitat Conditions for Sediment-Related Indices. State of California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board

Spatial Representation:

Eleven to 20 pools were surveyed at site TAY in Taylor Creek. V* values from all pools in a reach were weighted by the residual pool volumes and averaged to obtain a reach-wide V* value. Watersheds and study reaches met the following criteria: 1) stream channel gradient between 1.5 and 4%, 2) gravel and cobble substrate, 3) bedrock lithology that produces abundant fine sediment (predominantly sand-sized particles from highlyweathered granitic plutons), 4) no recent channel scouring debris flows that directly affected the sampling reach, 5) known use by anadromous fishes, and 6) minimal human land use other than forest management activities (i.e., timber harvest, roads, recreation, and grazing).

Temporal Representation:

The study site in Taylor Creek (TAY) was sampled during the Autumn of 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	46499	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

Pollutant:	Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
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 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) None of the samples exceed the objective. The range of values were between 12 and 150 well below the Secondary MCL Criteria for total dissolved solids of recommended 500 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:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 46499, Total Dissolved Solids	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1644

Pollutant:

Total Dissolved Solids

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for TDS in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 TDS measurements in total with an average of 61. The range of values was between 12 and 150, well below the Secondary MCL Criteria for TDS of recommended 500. The values measured indicate there is no exceedance of the applicable MCL criteria. (North Coast RWQCBc, 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for TDS applicable to Salmon River HA listed in Table 3-1. There is a Municipal Beneficial Use for the Salmon River HA.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

With regard to the Municipal Beneficial Use, Title 22: Table 64449-B Secondary Maximum Criteria Levels--Ranges are applicable MCL criteria to compare the TDS data with. The Secondary MCL Criteria are listed for Total Dissolved Solids as: recommended at 500, upper at 1000 and short term at 1500.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The Salmon River was added to the list for nutrients in 1992. In the summer of 2002 NCRWQCB Staff conducted a water quality monitoring effort to evaluate impairment of the Salmon River by nutrients. The monitoring plan involved collecting grab samples on three consecutive days once per month in June through October 2002 at locations in the Salmon River HA located immediately downstream of community centers within the watershed.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	32342	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

Pollutant:	Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
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)(2012)
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 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3 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. 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) There were 55 total suspended solids measurements in total, there were 3 measurements at values of 17, 24 and 27 at different stations, all of the other 53 samples collected were non-detect. The water quality objective is not exceeded 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:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 32342, Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1650

Pollutant:

Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The grab samples were analyzed for TSS in addition to pH, dissolved oxygen, temperatures and specific conductance. There were 55 TSS measurements in total. With all non-detect values at the Mainstem Salmon River at USGS Gage Station; With non-detects and one value of 24 on 6/10/2002 at Wooley Creek Station; With all non-detects at Mainstem Salmon River at Forks of Salmon Station; With non-detects and a value of 17 on 6/10/2002 at North Fork Salmon at Sawyers Bar Station; and non-detect values and one value of 27 on 6/10/2002 at South Fork Salmon at Cecilville. (North Coast RWQCBc, 2004)

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

There is no NCRWQCB Basin Plan Water Quality Objective for TSS for Salmon River HA listed in Table 3-1. However there is a Suspended Material narrative objective in the Basin Plan: Waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	32998	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
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 minimum of one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. It should be noted that data from LOE 1643 from the 2010 Integrated Report cycle were re-assessed in LOEs 31539, 31614, and 31538 in order to assess data for each individual stream in its own LOE. Also, due to limitations on pH instrumentation, the pH values should be rounded to one decimal place, which changes the 6.97 value noted in the original 2010 LOE to 7.0 and does not exceed the Basin Plan objective for pH. 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 five samples from the North Fork Salmon River (LOE 31539), zero of five samples from the South Fork Salmon River (LOE 31538), and zero of 10 samples from the mainstem Salmon River (LOE 31614) 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, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 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:	This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.

State Board 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 32998, pH	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31614

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 10 grab samples collected exceeded the objective. This LOE and LOE 31538, 31539, and 31540 replace LOE 1643 in order to assess data for each individual stream in its own LOE.

Data Reference:

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Table 3-1 states that the water quality objective for pH for water bodies in the Salmon River HA is a maximum of 8.5 and minimum of 7.0.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Grab samples were collected at the Salmon River downstream of Forks of Salmon and Salmon River near the mouth.

Temporal Representation:

Grab samples were collected at all locations on June 9th, 10th, and 11th 2002 and July 22nd and 23rd 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32998, pH	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31538

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 5 grab samples collected in the Salmon River HA, Cecilville HSA, South Fork Salmon River from the confluence with Garden Gulch to the confluence with the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River exceeded the objective. This LOE and LOE 31539, 31614, and 31540 replace LOE 1643 in order to assess data for each individual stream in its own LOE.

Data Reference:

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Table 3-1 states that the water quality objective for pH for water bodies in the Salmon River HA is a maximum of 8.5 and minimum of 7.0.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Grab samples were collected in the South Fork Salmon River downstream of Cecilville.

Temporal Representation:

Grab samples were collected June 9th, 10th, and 11th 2002 and July 22nd and 23rd 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32998, pH	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

31539

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 5 grab samples collected exceeded the objective. This LOE and LOE 31538, 31614, and 31540 replace LOE 1643 in order to assess data for each individual stream in its own LOE.

Data Reference:

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Table 3-1 states that the water quality objective for pH for water bodies in the Salmon River HA is a maximum of 8.5 and minimum of 7.0.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Grab samples were collected at the North Fork downstream of Sawyers Bar.

Temporal Representation:

Grab samples were collected at all locations on June 9th, 10th, and 11th 2002 and July 22nd and 23rd 2002.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Salmon River nutrient delisting recommendation. Santa Rosa, CA: North Coast RWQCB

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32998, pH	Region 1
Klamath River HU, Salmon River HA

LOE ID:

1643

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Nuisance

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Table 3-1 in the NCRWQCB Basin Plan lists the Salmon River HA (All streams) WQO for pH as a minimum at 7.0 and the maximum at 8.5.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

NCRWQCB QA. Data were collected compliant with a quality assurance plan. Blind duplicate samples were collected as a data quality control measure with acceptable results.

QAPP Information Reference(s):