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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name:	Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs
Water Body ID:	CAR1117401120090128173104
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	42930	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Sediment
Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Reason for Delisting:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
TMDL Name:	Middle Fork Eel River
TMDL Project Code:	82
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/31/2003
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: The entire Middle Fork Eel River Watershed was listed as sediment-impaired in 1994. The USEPA approved the "Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment" in December 2003. For the 2008 303(d) List, the watershed was divided into an upper and lower section. The upper section includes the Wilderness HSA and the Black Butte River HSA. The lower section includes the Eden Valley HSA and the Round Valley HSA. This division was made in order to consider sediment data specific to individual HSAs. Sediment in the Wilderness HSA and the Black Butte River HSA of the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed is being considered for removal from the Section 303(d) List under Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Two 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 for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the Section 303(d) List (i.e., sufficient justification to delist). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Sediment and Temperature found that sediment TMDLs are equal to existing conditions in the Wilderness and Black Butte River HSAs, and load allocations are being achieved. The TMDLs are the estimate of the total amount of sediment that can be delivered to streams in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed without exceeding applicable water quality standards. Therefore, the weight of evidence demonstrates that sediment-related water quality objectives are attained. (2) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (3) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (4) Pursuant to Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not attained.

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 42930, Sediment	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

26725

Pollutant:

Sedimentation/Siltation

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 42930, Sediment	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

26729

Pollutant:

Sediment

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

-N/A

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Unknown | Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Sediment analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Per the Middle Fork Eel River TMDLs for Sediment and Temperature (USEPA 2003), existing sediment loads within the Wilderness Hydrologic Subarea (HSA) and the Black Butte River HSA are equal to the TMDL, and load allocations are being achieved in these watersheds. Specifically, the existing sediment load of the Wilderness HSA is 420 tons/sq. mi/yr, which is the TMDL for the watershed. The existing sediment load of the Black Butte River HSA is 740 tons/sq. mi/yr, which is the TMDL for the watershed.

These estimates are based on the TMDL?s sediment source analysis which combined information from (1) a landslide assessment based on aerial photograph analysis with some field-based quality control, and (2) a small sediment source survey primarily based on field assessments and rate estimates developed from other studies.

Data Reference:

Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Per the Basin Plan (North Coast RWQCB 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:

Per the Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Sediment and Temperature (USEPA 2003): The sediment TMDL is set equal to the loading capacity of the Middle Fork Eel River. It is the estimate of the total amount of sediment, from both natural and human-caused sources, that can be delivered to streams in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed without exceeding applicable water quality standards. In the Upper Middle Fork Eel River Watershed (also known as the Wilderness Hydrologic Subarea), the TMDL is set at the existing load of 420 tons/sq. mi/yr. In the Black Butte River Watershed (also known as the Black Butte River Hyrdologic Subarea), the TMDL is set at the existing load of 740 tons/sq. mi/yr.

Guideline Reference:

Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX

Spatial Representation:

The landslide assessment studied the entire Middle Fork Eel River Watershed. The small sediment source analysis was initially conducted on USFS lands only, then expanded to private lands in round Valley, Elk Creek, and the Williams/Thatcher watersheds.

Temporal Representation:

The landslide assessment utilized aerial photographs taken in 1952, 1969, 1979, 1981, 1993, and 1998. The small sediment source analysis was conducted in 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

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

QAPP Information:

The sediment source analysis used to estimate sediment delivery in the Middle Fork Eel River Watershed is found in the TMDL (USEPA 2003).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX


DECISION ID	42292	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

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:	Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification \| Nonpoint Source \| Removal of Riparian Vegetation
TMDL Name:	Middle Fork Eel River
TMDL Project Code:	82
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/31/2003
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the Section 303(d) List under Section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record. It should be noted that a fifth LOE from the 2010 Integrated Report (LOE 26726, which is a copy of 1681 from the 2006 Integrated Report) does not contain any data pertaining to this water body and the LOE is not utilized in this decision. There is only one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 44115) and this sample size is not sufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if the cold freshwater habitat (COLD) beneficial use is being protected, as a minimum of 26 samples is needed for application of Table 4.2. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) The "Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment" state that water quality standards relating to temperature are not being attained. (4) Pursuant to section 4.11 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 42292, Temperature, water	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

46796

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

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:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Unknown

Temporal Representation:

Unknown

Environmental Conditions:

Unknown

QAPP Information:

Unknown

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 42292, Temperature, water	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44115

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:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.�

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Per "Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids" (Carter 2008): The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for both steelhead adult migration & holding and juvenile growth & rearing of 24�C applies in this water body May-October. The lethal temperature evaluation guideline for salmonid spawning, egg incubation & fry emergence is 20C and applies November-April. See LOE ID 31507 for more information on natural temperature alterations and salmonid presence and periodicity in this water body.

Guideline Reference:

Effects of Temperature, Dissolved Oxygen/Total Dissolved Gas, Ammonia, and pH on Salmonids. Implications for California's North Coast TMDLs. California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 42292, Temperature, water	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

26726

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

339

Number of Exceedances:

321

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The data submitted was for the Middle fork of the Eel River. Three sampling locations were provided. There were a total of 339 samples taken at the three sampling locations from May 27 to September 16, 2003. 321 temperature samples exceeded the 14.8�C coho guideline and 17.0�C steelhead evaluation guideline (North Coast RWQCB, 2003c).

Data Reference:

Eel River water quality data. (also Cable Creek) (e-file). Redding, CA: North Coast RWQCB

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: Temperature objectives for COLD interstate waters, WARM interstate waters, and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries are as specified in the "Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in the Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays of California" including any revisions thereto. A copy of this plan is included verbatim in the Appendix Section of this Plan. In addition, the following temperature objectives apply to surface waters: 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 degrees F above natural receiving water temperature. At no time or place shall the temperature of WARM intrastate waters be increased more than 5 degrees F above natural receiving water temperature.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

The guideline used was from Sullivan et al. (2000) Published Temperature Thresholds-Peer Reviewed Literature which includes reviewed sub-lethal and acute temperature thresholds from a wide range of studies, incorporating information from laboratory-based research, field observations, and risk assessment approaches. This report calculated the 7-day mean (maximum value of the 7-day moving average of the daily mean temperature) upper threshold criterion for coho salmon as 14.8�C and for steelhead trout as 17.0�C. The risk assessment approach used by Sullivan et al. (2000) suggests that the 7-day average upper threshold of a 14.8�C for coho and a 17.0�C for steelhead will reduce average growth 10% from optimum.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

There were 3 sampling locations in the Middle Fork Eel River. These locations were: Middle Fork Eel near the mainstream at Rowland Bar, Middle Fork at Cable Creek, and Middle Fork near Dos Rios Bridge.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected hourly over the period of May 27 to September 16, 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

The Middle Fork of the Eel River is currently listed for temperature.

QAPP Information:

No QAPP provided. Data collected from the Mendocino County Water Agency.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 42292, Temperature, water	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

31507

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.

Data Reference:

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

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

EVIDENCE OF ALTERATION OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURE: Water temperatures in the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs, have been altered and do not reflect natural receiving water temperatures as environmental factors that influence water temperature have been altered by human activities. Anthropogenic factors resulting in altered stream temperatures include grazing and timber harvest which have resulted in the removal of riparian vegetation (USEPA 2003). EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Steelhead and Chinook are present in the Wilderness & Black Butte HSAs (USEPA 2003). Rearing occurs year round and spawning/ incubation/ emergence occurs from November to April (Busby et al. 1996; Myers et al. 1998). Non-core rearing occurs in the Middle Fork Eel River, while core rearing occurs in tributaries to the Middle Fork Eel.

Guideline Reference:

Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX

Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California

Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Temporal Representation:

Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report process.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 42292, Temperature, water	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

46798

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:

The Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment were approved by the USEPA in December 2003. The USEPA concluded that the mainstem and tributaries in the Middle Fork Eel River (including the Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs) do not meet water quality standards for temperature due non-natural alterations in stream shading. Therefore, current temperatures in the Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs are impaired.

Data Reference:

Middle Fork Eel River Total Maximum Daily Loads for Temperature and Sediment. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region IX

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:

Spatial Representation:

Information pertains to the Middle Fork Eel River HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs.

Temporal Representation:

Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report process.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	46183	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Benthic Community Effects
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 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, lines of evidence associating the benthic community effects with water or sediment concentrations of pollutants are necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (Middle Fork Eel River HA) for each of ten (10) pollutants is available in the administrative record: (a) 0 of 1 sample for Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment did not meet the North Coast Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI); (b) 0 of 1 sample each for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, specific conductance, chloride, and sulfate did not meet water quality objectives; (c) 0 of 1 sample each for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen did not meet water quality objectives. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment in this water body on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy; (2) The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy; (3) The sample size for temperature, specific conductance, chloride, sulfate, dissolved oxygen and pH is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.1 of the Policy; (4) The sample size for ammonia-nitrogen, nitrite-nitrogen, and nitrate-nitrogen is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met per Table 3.2 of the Policy; (5) The single Benthic-Macro-Invertebrate bioassessment sample met the evaluation guideline, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. Additionally, no pollutant could be associated directly with the non-attainment of the Benthic Macroinvertebrate Bioassessment as sample sizes were all insufficient; (6) Therefore, this information is insufficient to determine if standards are being met with the confidence and power required by the Policy, since Section 3.9 of the Policy states that the bioassessment data must be associated with exceedances of numerical water quality objectives; and (7) Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44109

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The secondary maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for chloride is 250 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44466

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

33917

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:

The sample collected did not exceed the objective.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).

Temporal Representation:

One sample was collected in October 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44053

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

32172

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Cold Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The one sample collected had an IBI score above 52. The IBI score was 71.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

The Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Northern California IBI, sites with scores below 52 are considered to have impaired conditions.

Guideline Reference:

Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment

Spatial Representation:

The sample was collected in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River station code 111PS0060.

Temporal Representation:

The samples was collected on October 7, 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The sample was collected for the SWAMP Perennial Streams Assessment.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44115

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:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

43965

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44007

Pollutant:

Nitrite as Nitrite NO2

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

34593

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The sample does not exceed the water USEPA Temperature and pH-Dependent values of the CCC (Chronic Criterion) for Fish Early Life Stages Present for ammonia. The datum is reported as a non-detect limit. The non-detect limit is less than or equal to the water quality standard, the value will be considered as meeting the water quality standard, objective, criterion, or evaluation guideline.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia (USEPA 1999): Where salmonids and fish early life stages are present, the 30-day average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia (as mg N/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages of fish. The CCC formula is found on p.83 and the table of CCC values are found on p.87.

Guideline Reference:

1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at 111PS0060 (North Fork Middle Fork Eel River).

Temporal Representation:

The sample was collected on 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 46183, Benthic Community Effects	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

33877

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

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 sample collected did not exceed the SPWN objective.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Dissolved oxygen concentrations for waters not listed in Table 3-1, and where dissolved oxygen objectives are not prescribed, shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/L for waters designated as SPWN.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).

Temporal Representation:

One sample was collected in October 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	46354	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Chloride
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available to assess protection of the municipal and domestic supply (MUN) beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of 1 sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceeds the objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 46354, Chloride	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44109

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	46088	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 43965). Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceeds the water quality objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (a) 16 samples, or (b) greater than or equal to 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 46088, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

43965

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for nitrate+nitrite (sum as nitrogen) is 10.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	46247	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 44007). Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceeds the water quality objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (a) 16 samples, or (b) greater than or equal to 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 46247, Nitrite as Nitrite NO2	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44007

Pollutant:

Nitrite as Nitrite NO2

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 15. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	45688	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline, however, this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 16 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 2 exceedances of the objective with less than 16 samples is needed for application of Table 3.1. (4) Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 45688, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

34593

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Fish Spawning

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at 111PS0060 (North Fork Middle Fork Eel River).

Temporal Representation:

The sample was collected on 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	45497	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 45497, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

33877

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total Dissolved

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 sample collected did not exceed the SPWN objective.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).

Temporal Representation:

One sample was collected in October 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	45689	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 this section of the policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed 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 (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of one sample exceeds the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (A) 26 samples, or (B) greater than or equal 5 exceedances of the MUN objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 45689, Specific Conductivity	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44466

Pollutant:

Specific Conductivity

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	46024	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

Pollutant:	Sulfates
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available to assess protection of the municipal and domestic supply (MUN) beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Zero of 1 sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River exceeds the objective, however this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (1) 26 samples, or (2) greater than or equal to 5 exceedances of the objective with less than 26 samples is needed for application of Table 3.2. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 46024, Sulfates	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

44053

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Municipal & Domestic Supply

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs was collected at 1 monitoring site [ North Fork Middle Fork Eel River - 111PS0060 ]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 10/7/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	45551	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

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. 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) Zero of one sample from the North Fork of the Middle Fork Eel River (LOE 33917) exceed the objective, and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met, as a minimum of either (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 45551, pH	Region 1
Eel River HU, Middle Fork HA, Wilderness and Black Butte HSAs

LOE ID:

33917

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:

The sample collected did not exceed the objective.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

One sample was collected from the North Fork Middle Fork Eel River station (111PS0060).

Temporal Representation:

One sample was collected in October 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

SWAMP QAPP

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan