Draft California 2018 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name: Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
Water Body ID: CAR1100002020140113045888
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
103969
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of one sample exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103969, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108877
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103969, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 107642
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
105056
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are 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 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 CWA 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. None of the fourteen samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 105056, Ammonia as Nitrogen
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129529
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Freshwater Replenishment | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 ammonia as nitrogen samples collected from the Elk River exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 2006): The 1-hour average concentration (acute criterion or CMC) of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) for freshwater where salmonid fish are present, which is not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average, is calculated using the following equation: CMC=0.275/(1+10^(7.204 - pH)) + 39.0/(1+10^(pH - 7.204)).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100670
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1, a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

None of the samples exceed the Objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceeded the Objective for the COLD and WARM beneficial uses and zero of 15 samples exceed the objective to protect MUN. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129495
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 102302
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 150 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 119725
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129494
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 115738
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 150 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100670, Arsenic
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129493
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 arsenic is 0.010 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
73680
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Copper | Lead | Mercury | Nickel | Selenium | Silver | Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Data from this group metals decision are now evaluated in their own individual decision for the 2018 Integrated Report.  Please see the individual metals decisions for status of these pollutants in this waterbody.  This decision will be retired during the next Integrated Report cycle
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: Data from this group metals decision are now evaluated in their own individual decision for the 2018 Integrated Report.  Please see the individual metals decisions for status of these pollutants in this waterbody.  This decision will be retired during the next Integrated Report cycle
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73680, Multiple Pollutants
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47456
 
Pollutant: Arsenic | Cadmium | Chromium (total) | Copper | Lead | Mercury | Nickel | Selenium | Silver | Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 140
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 140 metal samples collected in the Elk River exceed the objectives. For each of the 10 metal parameters, there were 4 samples of each collected at the North Fork site, 5 samples each collected at the South Fork site, and 5 samples each collected at the Fields Landing site. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Arsenic objective is 0.05 mg/L. Cadmium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Chromium objective is 0.05 mg/L. Lead objective is 0.05 mg/L. Mercury objective is 0.002 mg/L. Selenium objective is 0.01 mg/L. Silver objective is 0.05 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64431: Nickel maximum contaminant level is 0.1 mg/L. Per 22 CCR 64449: Copper secondary maximum contaminant level is 1.0 mg/L. Zinc secondary maximum contaminant level is 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
  Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
104699
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two lines of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. The single benthic-macroinvertebrate samples does not exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold and the habitat assessment shows the habitat to be likely intact. However, a minimum of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples are needed to assess listing status.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment on the CWA 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 single benthic-macroinvertebrate samples does not exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold and the habitat assessment shows the habitat to be likely intact. However, the available information is insufficient to determine whether the waterbody/pollutant combination should be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104699, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 132757
 
Pollutant: Habitat Assessment (Streams)
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: HABITAT ASSESSMENT
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had an IPI score of 1.12 which indicates the habitat is likely intact.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region: 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: Physical characteristics of a site vary due to both natural factors and human disturbance. Statistical models based on a large statewide reference data set can help distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic stress. These models work across the diverse stream types found in California. The Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) is a multimetric Index developed based on these models to characterize physical habitat condition for streams in California. Index scores near 1 indicate physical habitat conditions similar to reference, whereas lower scores indicate degradation. For the purposes of making statewide assessments, three thresholds (analogous to those used for the CSCI) were established based on the 30th; 10th; and 1st percentiles of IPI scores at reference sites. These three thresholds divide the IPI scoring range into 4 categories of physical condition as follows: greater than or equal to 0.94 = likely intact condition; 0.93 to 0.84 = possibly altered condition; 0.83 to 0.71 = likely altered condition; less than or equal to 0.70 = very likely altered condition. Scores of 0.83 or lower indicate that the physical habitat has been altered and low CSCI scores from this site may be due to impacts to the physical habitat.
Guideline Reference: An Index to Measure the Quality of Physical Habitat in California Wadeable Streams
 
Spatial Representation: These samples were collected at the following station: 110ECSLSF
Temporal Representation: These samples were collected on: 7/26/2011
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols. QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104699, Benthic Community Effects
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 96390
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had a CSCI score(s) of 0.875423569. This score indicates that this site is supporting the aquatic life beneficial use and that the water quality objective has been met.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region: 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 California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: These samples were collected at the following station: 110ECSLSF
Temporal Representation: These samples were collected on: 7/26/2011
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols. QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
101178
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. None of the 15 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 111991
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129497
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 cadmium 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129498
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 cadmium 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114720
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 cadmium 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108607
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101178, Cadmium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129496
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 cadmium 0.005 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
73949
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.
Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.
Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of 15 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73949, Chloride
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 119792
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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-B for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73949, Chloride
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47461
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 chloride samples collected in the Elk River exceed the evaluation guideline. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): Waters shall not contain taste- or odor-producing substances in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per 22 CCR 64449: The recommended Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100759
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Chromium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 15 samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of the 15 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114071
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 104025
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114765
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chromium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 chromium 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129499
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 chromium 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129501
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 chromium 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100759, Chromium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129500
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 chromium 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100708
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for COLD and WARM and zero of 15 samples exceeded the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.4.
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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129502
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Copper, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 copper is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129504
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Copper, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 copper is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101961
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 copper is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114809
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114214
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Copper.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100708, Copper
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129503
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Copper, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 copper is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
104674
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 6 samples in the South Fork Elk River, zero of 5 samples in the mainstem Elk River, and zero of 4 samples in the North Fork Elk River exceed the objective for the protection of MUN. Zero of 1 samples in the South Fork Elk River exceed the objective for the protection of COLD and WARM.

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 CWA 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. Zero of 6 samples in the South Fork Elk River, zero of 5 samples in the mainstem Elk River, and zero of 4 samples in the North Fork Elk River exceed the objective for the protection of MUN. Zero of 1 samples in the South Fork Elk River exceed the objective for the protection of COLD and WARM. These sample sizes re insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114282
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 102028
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101929
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Lead.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of values listed in Table 3-2 of the Basin Plan. The value for lead is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129505
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Lead, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of values listed in Table 3-2 of the Basin Plan. The value for lead is 0.05 mg/L.
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 Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129507
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Lead, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of values listed in Table 3-2 of the Basin Plan. The value for lead is 0.05 mg/L.
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 Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104674, Lead
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129506
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Lead, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters designated for MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of values listed in Table 3-2 of the Basin Plan. The value for lead is 0.05 mg/L.
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 Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
104670
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Manganese
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104670, Manganese
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 104975
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Manganese.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 Manganese is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100684
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.11 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN and zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the protection of COLD and WARM.

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 CWA 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. Zero of 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN and zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the protection of COLD and WARM beneficial uses. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 115648
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129509
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 117374
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129508
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129510
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100684, Mercury
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101840
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Mercury.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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. The established numeric criteria for mercury to protect of human health from the consumption of organisms only is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
101006
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the Objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the COLD, WARM, and COMM beneficial uses and Zero of 15 sample exceeds the objective for the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 116962
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129511
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 119281
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 119270
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129513
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 116984
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nickel.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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. The established numeric criteria for Nickel to protect human health from consumption of organisms only is 4600 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 101006, Nickel
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129512
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 nickel is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
104676
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104676, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 112829
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104677
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104677, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108855
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104678
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104678, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 109247
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104679
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the COLD 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the COLD beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104679, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101066
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for dissolved oxygen. Data range from 9.0 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: Dissolved oxygen concentrations shall conform to those limits listed in Section 3.3.5. Section 3.3.5 lists dissolved oxygen concentration limits for COLD beneficial use waters to be a daily minimum of 6.0 mg/L and a 7-day moving average of 8.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Elk Creek, SF above Little South Fork (110ECSLSF).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 7/26/2011.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104679, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101402
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: If DO concentrations fall below the numeric objectives set forth by the Basin Plan (2018). If NO, then the waterbody is supporting that beneficial use, if YES, then that waterbody is considered impaired.
Data Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations shall conform to the numeric objectives expressed in section 3.3.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Steelhead, Chinook and Coho are present in the Mattole River Watershed (Moyle et al. 2008, NOAA 1998, NOAA 2014). Rearing occurs year round and spawning/incubation/emergence occurs from October through May (Moyle et al. 2008, NOAA 1998, NOAA 2014, Thompson 2010).
Guideline Reference: Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Onchorhynchus kisutch)
  Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California
  Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout in California: Status of an Emblematic Fauna
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to the Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
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
104354
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN and zero of one sample exceed the objective for the protection of COLD. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104354, Selenium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 110589
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Selenium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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. The established numeric selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104354, Selenium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129515
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104354, Selenium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108197
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Selenium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104354, Selenium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129516
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104354, Selenium
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129514
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 selenium is 0.05 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
100728
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Zero of 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN and zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the protection of COLD and
WARM. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129518
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Silver, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 silver is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129519
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Silver, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 silver is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129517
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Silver, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to (1) update the numeric objective, and (2) evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 silver is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108475
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 silver is 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 115804
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100728, Silver
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 117214
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Silver.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
74003
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN.

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 CWA 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.Zero of the 15 samples exceed the objective for the protection of MUN and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74003, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 120158
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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, Division 4, Article 4, Section 64435 (Tables 2 and 3), and Section 64444.5 (Table 5), and listed in Table 3-2 of this Plan (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm."
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74003, Specific Conductivity
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47464
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 specific conductivity grab samples collected from the Elk River Watershed exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per 22 CCR 64449: The recommended secondary Maximum Content Level (MCL) is 900 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
73897
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. None of the 15 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73897, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47460
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 sulfate samples collected in the Elk River exceed the evaluation guideline. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the 5-Year Monitoring Report (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007, p. 3-3.00): Waters shall not contain taste- or odor-producing substances in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per 22 CCR 64449 (Table 64449-B): The recommended secondary maximum contaminant level for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: Title 22. Division 4. Chapter 15. Sections 64400 et seq. California Code of Regulations
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73897, Sulfates
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 108497
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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-B for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104680
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the COLD 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the COLD beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104680, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101377
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative temperature objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: Determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If Yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if No, then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If Yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if No , then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If Yes, then water body is impaired, if No, then water body is not impaired.
Data Reference: Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF ALTERATION OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURES (NON-NATURAL TEMPS): The water temperatures of the Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River do not reflect natural conditions as environmental factors that influence water temperature have been anthropogenically altered due road-related activities, forestry practices and ranching causing channel aggradation and pool infilling as well as changes in riparian shade cover, increased solar heating and changes in streamside microclimates (CDFG 2013)
EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Steelhead, Chinook and Coho are present in the Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River(Moyle et al. 2008, NOAA 1998, NOAA 2014). Rearing occurs year round and spawning/incubation/emergence occurs from October through May (Moyle et al. 2008, NOAA 1998, NOAA 2014, Thompson 2010).
Guideline Reference: Final Recovery Plan for the Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon (Onchorhynchus kisutch)
  Status Review of Chinook Salmon from Washington, Idaho, Oregon and California
  Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout in California: Status of an Emblematic Fauna
  Elk River TMDL Staff Report: Appendix 3-B Fisheries Information for Upper Elk River
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to the Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
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 104680, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 101036
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed the data for this water body to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Temperature. Data range from 14.3 degrees C.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin, Chapter III, General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states: 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: According to Carter (2008) the lethal temperature for spawning, incubation, and emergence life stages are 20 degrees C. The lethal temperatures for adult migration and holding, and juvenile migration and rearing is 24 degrees C. 
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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) Elk Creek, SF above Little South Fork (110ECSLSF).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 7/26/2011.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
104681
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the 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 CWA 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. Zero of one samples exceed the objective for the protection of the MUN beneficial use and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 104681, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 116322
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Total Dissolved Solids.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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, Division 4, Article 4, Section 64435 (Tables 2 and 3), and Section 64444.5 (Table 5), and listed in Table 3-2 of this Plan (Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for consumer acceptance objective for total dissolved solids is 500 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
100682
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List
under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the objective.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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.Zero of one sample exceeds the objective for the COLD and WARM beneficial uses and zero of 15 samples exceed the objective for MUN. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 120213
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 114888
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129521
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129522
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129520
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc, Total. This LOE re-assesses data from LOE 21519 from the 2010 Integrated Report. Data were re-assessed in order to evaluate these data in their own LOE, instead of being evaluated in the same LOE as other metals data.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100682, Zinc
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 117325
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Zinc.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 Zinc is 5 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
74000
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2032
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the five samples exceed the MUN objective in the mainstem Elk River. Three of the six samples exceed the MUN objective in the South Fork Elk River . Two of the four samples exceed the MUN objective in the North Fork Elk River

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. Three of five samples exceed the MUN objective in the Mainstem Elk River, 3 of 6 samples exceed the MUN objective in the South Fork Elk River, and 2 of 4 samples exceed the MUN objective in the North Fork Eel River and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74000, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129491
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Aluminum, Total. This LOE (and LOEs 129490 & 129492) replaces LOE 47462 which will be retired next cycle. Data from LOE 47462 has been split into 3 LOEs, so that data from each site could be evaluated in its own LOE. Additionally the data is now compared to the secondary MCL (was compared to the primary MCL in past cycles).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Aluminum is 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - South Fork - 110SE0293]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74000, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 113290
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan .
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2018): 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 Aluminum is 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (110ECSLSF)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-07-26 and 2011-07-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74000, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129492
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Aluminum, Total. This LOE and LOEs 113290 & 129490 replace LOE 47462. The data from LOE 47462 have been split into three separate LOEs so that data for each site could be included in its own LOE. Additionally the data is now compared to the secondary MCL (was compared to the primary MCL in past cycles).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Aluminum is 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River - North Fork - 110NE0630]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/20/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74000, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 129490
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff re-assessed SWAMP data for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Aluminum, Total. This LOE (and LOEs 113290 & 129492) replace LOE 47462 which will be retired next cycle. Data from LOE 47462 was split into three separate LOEs so that each site could be evaluated in its own LOE. Additionally the data is now compared to the secondary MCL (was compared to the primary MCL in past cycles).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 Aluminum is 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
  Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR title 22 section 64449.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Eureka Plain HU, Elk River was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Elk River at Fields Landing - 110ELKRIV]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/27/2002-6/12/2002.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (SWAMP 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74000, Aluminum
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47462
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 aluminum samples collected from Elk River exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The Maximum Contaminant Level for aluminum is 1.0 mg/l (1,000 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
73474
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: Sediment
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 (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Logging Road Construction/Maintenance | Road Construction | Silviculture
TMDL Name: Upper Elk River and Upper Little South Fork Elk River Sediment TMDL
TMDL Project Code: 93
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 04/04/2018
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:

The pollutant name has been changed from "sedimentation/siltation" to "sediment".

The pollutant was considered for removal from the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle, however there is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

The "Eureka Plain HU, Elk River" water body has been split into three water bodies for the current Integrated Report cycle: (1) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Lower Elk River and Martin Slough, (2) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River, and (3) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Little South Fork Elk River. LOE 47458 is an exact copy of the original 2010 placeholder LOE 3667. LOEs 47451, 47452, 47446, 47448, 47454, 47455, and 47447 are new for the current Integrated Report cycle. This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Under this section when all other delisting factors do not result in the delisting of a water segment but information indicates attainment of standards, a water segment shall be evaluated to determine whether the weight of evidence demonstrates that the water quality standard is attained. If the weight of evidence indicates attainment, the water segment shall be removed from the section 303(d) list. Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record. 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) Six of six years of suspended sediment concentrations in the North Fork Elk River (LOE 47451) and South Fork Elk River (LOE 47452) had severity of ill effects index values that exceed the evaluation guideline. (3) Cross sections in the mainstem Elk River (LOE 47448), North Fork Elk River (LOE 47446), and South Fork Elk River (LOE 47454) reflect aggradation of the mean bed level during the period from 2001- 2008. (4) 303(d) listing determinations made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. LOE 47458 is a placeholder for the 303(d) listing data and information from a previous assessment cycle that was initially utilized to make this listing determination. (5) This process is scientifically defensible and reproducible.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47458
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unknown
Temporal Representation: Unknown
Environmental Conditions: Unknown
QAPP Information: Unknown
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47452
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of 6 years of suspended sediment concentration data at site SFM on the South Fork Elk River had SEV index values that exceed the evaluation guideline. When assessing chronic exposure, maximum SEV index values over the six years range from 10.7 to 12.6, which equates to at least 20 mg/L of suspended sediment concentrations for at least 252 continuous hours of exposure. When assessing acute exposure, maximum SEV index values over the six years range from 7.6 to 10.0, which equates to at least 1,097 mg/L of suspended sediment concentrations for at least 40 continuous hours of exposure.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
  Review of 2012 Integrated Report Data as Submitted by Salmon Forever For Elk River and Freshwater Creek. Memo from Adona White to Katharine Carter, Regional Water Board staff. April 3, 2013. 17pp.
 
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. Also, Waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The effects of suspended sediment on beneficial uses associated with the cold water fishery is estimated by the Severity of Ill Effects (SEV) Index for salmonid eggs and larvae life stages, which is a dose-response value calculated by assessing the concentration of suspended sediment and the number of continuous hours that concentration is present (Newcombe and Jensen 1996). Regional Water Board staff determined that a SEV index value of 4 (which equates to a short-term reduction in feeding rates and/or feeding success) or greater represents significant harm to salmonids so as to be detrimental to the beneficial uses associated with the cold water fishery (NCRWQCB 2006).
Guideline Reference: Channel Suspended Sediment and Fisheries : A Synthesis For Quantitative Assessment of Risk and Impact
  Desired Salmonid Freshwater Habitat Conditions for Sediment-Related Indices. State of California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in the South Fork Elk River at site SFM.
Temporal Representation: Continuous SSC data were collected from 2003-2008, and SEVs were calculated for the winter season from December 1 to April 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A suspended sediment and turbidity monitoring QAPP was submitted along with standard operating procedures.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47451
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of 6 years of suspended sediment concentration data at site KRW on the North Fork Elk River had SEV index values that exceed the evaluation guideline. When assessing chronic exposure, maximum SEV index values over the six years range from 11.2 to 12.5, which equates to at least 20 mg/L of suspended sediment concentrations for at least 252 continuous hours of exposure. When assessing acute exposure, maximum SEV index values over the six years range from 6.7 to 9.1, which equates to at least 1,097 mg/L of suspended sediment concentrations for at least 40 continuous hours of exposure.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
  Review of 2012 Integrated Report Data as Submitted by Salmon Forever For Elk River and Freshwater Creek. Memo from Adona White to Katharine Carter, Regional Water Board staff. April 3, 2013. 17pp.
 
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. Also, Waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: The effects of suspended sediment on beneficial uses associated with the cold water fishery is estimated by the Severity of Ill Effects (SEV) Index for salmonid eggs and larvae life stages, which is a dose-response value calculated by assessing the concentration of suspended sediment and the number of continuous hours that concentration is present (Newcombe and Jensen 1996). Regional Water Board staff determined that a SEV index value of 4 (which equates to a short-term reduction in feeding rates and/or feeding success) or greater represents significant harm to salmonids so as to be detrimental to the beneficial uses associated with the cold water fishery (NCRWQCB 2006).
Guideline Reference: Channel Suspended Sediment and Fisheries : A Synthesis For Quantitative Assessment of Risk and Impact
  Desired Salmonid Freshwater Habitat Conditions for Sediment-Related Indices. State of California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in the North Fork Elk River at site KRW.
Temporal Representation: Continuous SSC data were collected from 2003-2008, and SEVs were calculated for the winter season from December 1 to April 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A suspended sediment and turbidity monitoring QAPP was submitted along with standard operating procedures.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47447
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: At the present time, natural background turbidity levels have not been determined for this watershed, and exceedence probabilities (the turbidity, associated with flow, that is exceeded X% of the time) have not been calculated. Thus, there is currently no appropriate evaluation guideline for this watershed, and no way to determine whether the objective is being exceeded. Once the Elk River Sediment TMDL is final, it will provide information about what turbidity levels constitute background for the Elk River watershed. Additionally, the turbidity data from Salmon Forever will be incorporated into the Elk River Sediment TMDL, and findings from the TMDL can be utilized for the assessment of potential turbidity impairments.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Turbidity shall not be increased more than 20 percent above naturally occurring background levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in at the site: North Fork Elk River at Kristi Wrigley's house (KRW).
Temporal Representation: Near-continuous turbidity data were collected from 2003-2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A suspended sediment and turbidity monitoring QAPP was submitted along with standard operating procedures.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47448
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Cross-section data reflect aggradation at most monitoring locations on the mainstem Elk River between 2001 and 2007, with very little scour occurring at one monitoring location. While each individual cross-section reflects either aggradation or degradation, the reach average change reflects aggradation of the mean bed elevation of the mainstem Elk River by 0.14 ft during the period from 2001-2007. The data also reflect that cumulative active channel cross-sectional area was reduced by 14.3 square feet due to sediment deposition during the period from 2001-2007. Ongoing deposition of sediment contributes to nuisance flooding due to reduced channel capacity and the fine sediment filling the channel (primarily silt and very fine sand) impairs cold water fishery use of the stream, particularly spawning, incubation, and emergence. Beneficial uses, aside from MUN, affected by stream aggradation include COLD and FLD.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in the mainstem Elk River at four cross-sections in two reaches from below the confluence with the North Fork and South Fork Elk Rivers to approximately 1.5 miles below the confluence of the North and South Fork Elk Rivers.
Temporal Representation: Cross-section data were collected at various sites from 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, & 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document was submitted deailing the protocol for monitoring cross-sections.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47446
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Cross-section data reflect aggradation at most monitoring locations on the North Fork Elk River between 2001 and 2008, with very little scour occurring in a few locations on the river. While each individual cross-section reflects either aggradation or degradation, the reach average change reflects aggradation of the mean bed elevation of the North Fork by 0.53 ft during the period from 2001-2008. The data also reflect that cumulative active channel cross-sectional area was reduced by 29.3 square feet due to sediment deposition during the period from 2001-2008. Ongoing deposition of sediment contributes to nuisance flooding due to reduced channel capacity and the fine sediment filling the channel (primarily silt and very fine sand) impairs cold water fishery use of the stream, particularly spawning, incubation, and emergence. Beneficial uses, aside from MUN, affected by stream aggradation include COLD and FLD.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in the North Fork Elk River at nine cross-sections in two reaches from North Fork Elk River at Kristi Wrigley's house at site KRW (approximately 1 mile upstream of the confluence with the South Fork) to the confluence with the South Fork Elk River.
Temporal Representation: Cross-section data were collected from various sites during 2001, 2002, 2004, & 2006-2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document was submitted deailing the protocol for monitoring cross-sections.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47455
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: At the present time, natural background turbidity levels have not been determined for this watershed, and exceedence probabilities (the turbidity, associated with flow, that is exceeded X% of the time) have not been calculated. Thus, there is currently no appropriate evaluation guideline for this watershed, and no way to determine whether the objective is being exceeded. Once the Elk River Sediment TMDL is final, it will provide information about what turbidity levels constitute background for the Elk River watershed. Additionally, the turbidity data from Salmon Forever will be incorporated into the Elk River Sediment TMDL, and findings from the TMDL can be utilized for the assessment of potential turbidity impairments.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Turbidity shall not be increased more than 20 percent above naturally occurring background levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the site: South Fork Elk River at Jessie Noell's house (SFM).
Temporal Representation: Near-continuous turbidity data were collected from 2003-2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A suspended sediment and turbidity monitoring QAPP was submitted along with standard operating procedures.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 73474, Sediment
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47454
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Cross-section data reflect aggradation at most monitoring locations on the South Fork Elk River between 2001 and 2008, with very little scour occurring in a few locations on the river. While each individual cross-section reflects either aggradation or degradation, the reach average change reflects aggradation of the mean bed elevation of the South Fork by 0.49 ft during the period from 2001-2008. The data also reflect that cumulative active channel cross-sectional area was reduced by 27.8 square feet due to sediment deposition during the period from 2001-2008. Ongoing deposition of sediment contributes to nuisance flooding due to reduced channel capacity and the fine sediment filling the channel (primarily silt and very fine sand) impairs cold water fishery use of the stream, particularly spawning, incubation, and emergence. Beneficial uses, aside from MUN, affected by stream aggradation include COLD and FLD.
Data Reference: Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected in the South Fork Elk River at nine cross-sections in two reachs from South Fork Elk River at Jesse Noell's house at site SFM (approximately 0.5 miles upstream of the confluence with the North Fork) to the confluence with the North Fork Elk River.
Temporal Representation: Cross-section data were collected at various sites from 2001, 2002, 2004-2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) document was submitted deailing the protocol for monitoring cross-sections.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Salmon Forever Sediment Data Package For: 2012 California Integrated Report - Surface Water Quality Assessment and List of Impaired Waters [Clean Water Act Sections 305(b) and 303(d)].
 
 
DECISION ID
74004
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
Pollutant: 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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:



This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle. The pollutant name has been changed from "Ammonia as Nitrogen" to "Ammonia".

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

The "Eureka Plain HU, Elk River" water body has been split into three water bodies for the current Integrated Report cycle: (1) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Lower Elk River and Martin Slough, (2) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River, and (3) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Little South Fork Elk River.

LOE 47463 is an exact copy of the original 2010 LOE 26307. There are no new data for this water segment-pollutant combination for the current Integrated Report cycle.

Regional Water Board conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) List in a previous Integrated Report cycle. No new information was reviewed for this current Integrated Report cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) List under Section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under Section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 14 ammonia as nitrogen samples exceed the objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the Section 303(d) List in the Water Quality Limited Segments category (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) None of the 14 samples exceed the water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 74004, Ammonia
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47463
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 14 ammonia as nitrogen samples collected from the Elk River exceed the objective. The samples were collected as part of the Surface Water Ambient Water Monitoring Program (SWAMP). The data are found in the SWAMP Summary Report for the North Coast Region for Years 2000-2006 (NCRWQCB 2008).
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP). Summary Report for the North Coast Region (RWQCB-1) for years 2000-2006. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. March 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (USEPA 2006): The 1-hour average concentration (acute criterion or CMC) of total ammonia nitrogen (in mg N/L) for freshwater where salmonid fish are present, which is not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average, is calculated using the following equation: CMC=0.275/(1+10^(7.204 - pH)) + 39.0/(1+10^(pH - 7.204)).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Elk River Watershed at 3 locations as follows: (1) the North Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKNFK), (2) South Fork Elk River (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKSFK), and (3) Elk River at Fields Landing (SWAMP Station ID 110ELKRIV). Samples were collected from well-mixed flows in glides or riffles.
Temporal Representation: At the North Fork site, samples were collected from March 2002 to June 2002. At the South Fork and Fields Landing sites, samples were collected from February 2002 to June 2002. Site visits corresponded to fall, winter, spring and early summer seasonal conditions.
Environmental Conditions: There are no known environmental conditions (e.g., seasonality, land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with the SWAMP Quality Assurance Management Plan (Puckett 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
69730
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: The "Eureka Plain HU, Elk River" water body has been split into three water bodies for the current Integrated Report cycle: (1) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Lower Elk River and Martin Slough, (2) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River, and (3) Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Little South Fork Elk River.

LOE 47449 is new for the current Integrated Report cycle.

Fecal indicator bacteria (which includes E. coli) are being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) list under Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence (LOE) is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence for fecal coliform is available in the administrative record to assess fecal indicator bacteria in the upper mainstem Elk River.

In accordance with Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, a 4% exceedance rate shall be used to add waters to the List "if water quality monitoring was conducted April 1 through October 31 only". Data collected from the upper mainstem Elk River were collected within the April 1 through October 31 range, and therefore are assessed under Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy at a 4% exceedance rate.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing the upper mainstem Elk River on the Section 303(d) list for Indicator Bacteria (i.e., sufficient justification to not list). 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) One of 2 E. coli samples from the upper mainstem Elk River exceeded the evaluation guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of either (a) 22 samples, or (b) greater than or equal 3 exceedances of the evaluation guideline with less than 22 samples is needed for application of the 4% exceedance rate under Section 3.3 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 Staff Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69730, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Eureka Plain HU, Elk River Watershed, Upper Elk River
 
LOE ID: 47449
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the two samples exceeded the E. coli evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Data for bacteria in various North Coast Region water bodies
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The bacteriological quality of waters of the North Coast Region shall not be degraded beyond natural background levels.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches (CDPH 2011): Beach posting is recommended when single sample E. coli levels exceed 235 MPN / 100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Elk River at Wrigley Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected September and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Redwood Community Action Agency's Humboldt Bay First Flush Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):