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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Watsonville Slough
Water Body ID: CAR3051003019981209150043
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
68877
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Change from general pollutant to specific pollutant listing (e.g. metals to copper)
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This decision for pesticides was made prior to 2006 and the supporting data and other information are not held in an assessment database. The historic administrative record does not include specific data for this decision.

This decision for the general category of 'Pesticides' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the pesticides for which there are data. This water segment is being assessed for a full suite of currently applied pesticides such as OP and pyrethroid pesticides. Those individual decisions replace this generic decision for pesticides.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because this decision for the general category of 'Pesticides' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the pesticides for which there are data.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68877, Pesticides
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 4021
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
84058
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pathogens
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Change from general pollutant to specific pollutant listing (e.g. metals to copper)
TMDL Name: Watsonville Slough Pathogen
TMDL Project Code: 35
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 07/19/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This decision for the general category of 'Pathogens' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the Indicator Bacteria for which there are data, such as E. coli and fecal coliform. Those individual decisions replace this generic decision.

This decision for 'Pathogens' was made prior to 2006 and the supporting data and other information are not held in an assessment database. The historic administrative record does not include specific data for this decision. Furthermore, newer data for individual pollutants are available and will be assessed under individual decisions. Those decisions will replace this decision for the generic pollutant category 'Pathogens'.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used for the original decision are not available and therefore do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used for the original decision are not available and therefore do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No data is available to assess the status of this water body for this generic pollutant and newer data for individual pollutants under this general category are available and are assessed in separate decisions.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available for this general category
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because this decision for the general category of 'Pathogens' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the fecal indicator bacteria for which there are data.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 84058, Pathogens
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1857
 
Pollutant: Pathogens
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
72185
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agriculture | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2018
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Eighteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three water quality objectives are assessed. Twenty-two of the 28 samples exceeded the water quality objectives for dissolved oxygen in Estuarine and Fish Spawning Habitats, and 401 of the 1014 samples exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Warm Freshwater Habitats, therefore none of these uses are not supported. The Basin Plan general water quality objective for oxygen saturation states that the median value shall not fall below 85% saturation. However, the oxygen saturation objective is only applied ¿for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use¿¿ and this water body is designated for Estuarine, Fish Spawning, and Warm Freshwater Habitats. Therefore, the use support rating for oxygen saturation is set at Insufficient Information.

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 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. Twenty-two of the 28 samples exceeded the water quality objectives for dissolved oxygen in Estuarine and Fish Spawning Habitats, and 401 of the 1014 samples exceeded the water quality objective for dissolved oxygen in Warm Freshwater Habitats. All of these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48906
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 20
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18120
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 12019
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48907
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 12020
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13691
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48908
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17895
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/5/2004-2/21/2006.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48895
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48184
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48185
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48896
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17855
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 868
Number of Exceedances: 324
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 324 of 868 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13690
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58962
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixteen of 34 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as "Warm Freshwater Habitat" must be greater than 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Site 2. Site 1 data was omitted because it has effluent data only.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once in 2004 and approximately once every other month between January 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48186
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18155
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 27
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 41 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58961
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of 15 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as "Warm Freshwater Habitat" must be greater than 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Salsipuedes Creek at E Lake Ave Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87028
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2023
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One-hundred-ninety-nine of the 284 samples exceed the Warm Freshwater Habitat evaluation guideline (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009), used to interpret the water quality objective for turbidity.

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 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. One-hundred-ninety-nine of the 284 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87028, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13727
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87028, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 12021
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/21/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87028, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48861
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 22 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87028, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13698
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 39
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 39 of 93 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Errington Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87028, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17542
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 156
Number of Exceedances: 143
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 143 of 156 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/21/2005-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
67911
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 9 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for protecting aquatic life uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 9 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67911, Alachlor
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94159
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for ALACHLOR.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for alachlor is 76 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Advisory for Alachlor
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
67548
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
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 Conclusion: The pollutant name was changed to ¿Ammonia¿ in the 2014 assessment cycle. This decision replaces unionized ammonia. This decision contains all of the LOEs from those decisions in addition to new LOEs.

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.

Six lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three LOEs summarize unionized ammonia data in which zero of the 26 samples exceed the water quality objective for unionized ammonia set to protect Warm Freshwater Habitat. Three LOEs also summarize unionized ammonia data in which 1 of the 111 samples exceed the water quality objective for unionized ammonia set to protect Fish Spawning habitat.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 26 samples exceed the water quality objective for unionized ammonia for Warm Freshwater Habitat and 1 of the 111 samples exceed the water quality objective for Fish Spawning Habitat. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58978
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 64
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of 64 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 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 discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at three sites: 1) at mid-point, south side of road/trail that crosses Watsonville Slough from Ford St., 2) about 30ft. east of Ohlone Parkway, and 3) just east of Lee Rd.
Temporal Representation: Pre-restoration samples were collected monthly from May 2006 to August 2006. Post-restoration samples were collected bi-monthly from April 2007 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions: No samples were collected from the second and third sites during 8/27/2007 because of restoration activities. No samples were collected from the third site during 10/25/2007 because of restoration activities.
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58977
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 33
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 33 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 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 discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at site 2 located at the tip of the peninsula about 300 ft E-NE of the Nature Center. Samples from site 1 are not representative of the water body as a whole and was not counted. Site 1 is cut off from the slough by soil filled-in from construction projects and samples are heavily influenced from effluent from a nearby storm drain.
Temporal Representation: Pre-restoration samples were collected from January 2005 to July 2005. Post-restoration samples were collected bi-monthly from October 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Upper Watsonville Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58976
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 14 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 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 discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at station Watsonville Slough @ Ohlone Parkway Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48892
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/27/2009-3/30/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13674
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-3/28/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67548, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 9404
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85813
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life uses and drinking water uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85813, Atrazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94160
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for ATRAZINE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database, the aquatic life EC50 for Atrazine is 43 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
91834
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant; two LOEs summarize water and two LOEs summarize sediment. Zero out of nine water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the aquatic life beneficial uses. Zero out of twelve sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. 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 supported using table 3.1.

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

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. No water or sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91834, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94035
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of three toxicity LC50 values from Amweg et al. (2005) and one toxicity LC50 value from Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
  Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91834, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94161
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a mysid (Mysidopsis bahia) of 0.0034 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91834, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58986
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of three toxicity LC50 values from Amweg et al. (2005) and one toxicity LC50 value from Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
  Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91834, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94162
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of bifenthrin does not exceed 0.0006 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.004 ug/L. Mixtures of bifenthrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87576
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Butylate
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87576, Butylate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94163
 
Pollutant: Butylate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for BUTYLATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Butylate, 3,800ug/L, is the geometric mean of the result of two 96 hr LC50 toxicity studies of Oncorhynchus mykiss (Rainbow trout). (USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS and SWAMP QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87913
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for the protection of aquatic life. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87913, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94164
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CARBARYL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbaryl is 0.02 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Compilation of Water Quality Goals
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87770
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87770, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94165
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CARBOFURAN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbofuran is 0.5 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Carbofuran to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
72668
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
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 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulation risk and aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. Two of the 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72668, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48893
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72668, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13689
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72668, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 9405
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
  North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87879
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine sediment samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Amweg and Weston, 2007). One of fourteen water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat and one of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for estuarine habitat uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if a beneficial uses is not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the support use rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine sediment samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline, one of fourteen water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat, and one of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for estuarine habitat uses. None of 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94036
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94167
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16007
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94166
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16330
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87879, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18601
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA_DHS - Watsonville Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/13/1994-1/27/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
85222
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the fourteen sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the fourteen sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85222, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94063
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85222, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58857
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
85223
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at one line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that even though this water body is impaired for sediment toxicity these water body-pollutant combinations should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for these pollutants are not being exceeded.

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 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85223, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94037
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85223, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94168
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, Lambda.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Cyhalothrin, lambda, total does not exceed 0.0005 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85223, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58861
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda, total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87928
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. Zero of the nine sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to protect aquatic life 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87928, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94169
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) of 0.016 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87928, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94038
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87928, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94170
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of cypermethrin does not exceed 0.0002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.001 ug/L. Mixtures of cypermethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
67581
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 16 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 16 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67581, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58869
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDD. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67581, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94049
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 67581, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58868
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87756
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at one line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 16 sediment samples and aero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 16 sediment samples and aero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94047
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58983
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58989
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94183
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for p p' DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94182
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for p p' DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58880
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDT. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94083
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87756, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58876
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87529
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87529, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58882
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87529, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94040
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87529, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94171
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for DELTAMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.02 ug/L, which is the geometric mean of the LOEC and NOEC, as determined in a 280 day toxicity study with the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. (USEPA OPP Ecotoxicity database)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87880
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Amweg and Weston, 2007). One of fourteen water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat and one of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for estuarine habitat uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if a beneficial uses is not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the support use rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline, one of fourteen water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat, and one of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for estuarine habitat uses. None of 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18695
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA_DHS - Watsonville Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/13/1994-1/27/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16753
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94172
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94173
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94041
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58883
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87880, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16659
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
  Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87828
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87828, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94042
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87828, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94174
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for ESFENVALERATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.13 ug/L, as determined in a 96 hour toxicity test using the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. (USEPA OPP Ecotoxicity database)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87828, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58906
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
85224
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the water quality objective for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85224, Ethalfluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94175
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for ETHALFLURALIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethalfluralin is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.7 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87983
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the relevant evaluation guidelines used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for the protection of aquatic life. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine water samples and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the relevant evaluation guidelines used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for the protection of aquatic life and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87983, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58916
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87983, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94176
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for FENPROPATHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50; 2.2 ug/L).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87983, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94048
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87530
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87530, Fipronil
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58918
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87530, Fipronil
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94043
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88038
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88038, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94044
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88038, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58919
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88039
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88039, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94045
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88039, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58931
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88094
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88094, Hexazinone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94177
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for HEXAZINONE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database, the aquatic life EC50 for Hexazinone is 6.8 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
100284
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100284, Methidathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94179
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for METHIDATHION.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.86 ug/L, which is the geometric mean of the LOEC and NOEC, as determined in a 280 day toxicity study with the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. (USEPA OPP Ecotoxicity database)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
88148
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment and the pollutant concentration must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. This 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94184
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, methyl.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous criteria for Methyl Parathion is 0.08 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Methyl Parathion to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94046
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for methyl parathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58949
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Methyl parathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87739
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Molinate
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life uses and drinking water uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87739, Molinate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94180
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for MOLINATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Molinate is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 600 ug/L. The MATC (or Chronic Value as defined in USEPA 1985, P20 section F) is the geometric mean of the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 900 ug/L and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 380 ug/L as determined in a 21 day toxicity study with the water flea, Daphnia magna. Threshold values (LOEC and NOEC) are from USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
91869
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero out of nine water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the aquatic life beneficial use. The 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 supported using table 3.1, and therefore the beneficial use rating is set to 'insufficient information.'

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero out of nine water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91869, Napropamide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94181
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for NAPROPAMIDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Napropamide is the median lethal concentration (LC50; 12000 ug/L).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
85277
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Permethrin, total
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. None of the samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85277, Permethrin, total
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94107
 
Pollutant: Permethrin, total
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85277, Permethrin, total
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94185
 
Pollutant: Permethrin, total
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of permethrin does not exceed 0.002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.01 ug/L. Mixtures of permethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85277, Permethrin, total
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58963
 
Pollutant: Permethrin, total
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87608
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines used to interpret the water quality objectives for aquatic life protection and drinking water uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the two samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87608, Phosmet
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94186
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PHOSMET.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database, the aquatic life EC50 for Phosmet is 5.6 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87553
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life beneficial use. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87553, Prometryn
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94187
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PROMETRYN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database, the aquatic life EC50 for Prometryn is 1 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87554
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87554, Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94188
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PROPANIL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propanil is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.5 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
100242
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100242, Propiconazole
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94189
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Propiconazole.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propiconazole is the median lethal concentration (LC50; 830 ug/L).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
68928
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
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 Conclusion: No new data are assessed. The decision has not changed .
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1855
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Long-term aggregation of sediments and reduction in aquatic habitat volume was not evident. Aquatic habitat volume appears to be increasing due to land subsidence associated with de-watering of the area for peat mining and agriculture in the early 1900s, ground water pumping, and possibly local seismic activity. Scientists re-surveyed an old road survey across Struve Slough and Watsonville Slough, and found evidence of subsidence on the order of 10 to 20 mm/year since 1952. Obtained sediment cores in the tidal marsh of lower Watsonville Slough dating back to the 1400s and they were analyzed using radiocarbon dating, pollen, and lead-210. The data suggested an anthropogenic increase in sedimentation surrounding the expansion of agriculture in the first half of the 1900s, but net sedimentation rates since about 1950 appear to have been lower than in pre-historic times. This is likely attributed to decreased sediment supply to the lower reaches resulting from subsidence and the construction of the tide gates in the 1940s (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: 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 surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1856
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 338
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sediment concentration has been studied by many investigators. All available data was reviewed and summarized by (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).

For suspended sediment concentration, 338 representative measurements are available. None of the measurements exceed the sediment threshold.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: 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 surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Three spine stickleback occurs in the Slough and in studies no mortality was observed in a test to identify the lethal threshold for sediment at a concentration of 28,000 mg/L (LeGore and Des Voigne, 1973).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at least 13 stations throughout the slough system.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1976 and 2004 during all seasons.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1854
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Smothering of benthic habitat by sedimentation was not significantly evident, but was also difficult to study. A visual reconnaissance was conducted for signs of excessive recent sedimentation. Unequivocal smothering of habitat could only be documented photographically in small portions of the Watsonville Slough system. Other areas were either stable, contained coarse sediment, contained fine sediment in amounts that did not contradict the expectation of a natural system, were under water, or were not accessible (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: 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 surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87605
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Simazine
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life uses and drinking water uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87605, Simazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94191
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for SIMAZINE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for simazine is 10 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87606
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for the protection of aquatic life beneficial use. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87606, Thiobencarb/Bolero
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94192
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for THIOBENCARB.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 1.4 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87658
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
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 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for the protection of aquatic life beneficial uses. 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 supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87658, Trifluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94193
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for TRIFLURALIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Trifluralin is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 1.58 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
100285
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

Twenty-six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three beneficial uses are assessed. One-hundred-six of the 1149 samples exceed the water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat and 97 of the 1100 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Drinking Water and Recreation.

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. One-hundred-six of the 1149 samples exceed the water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat and 97 of the 1100 samples exceed the water quality objectives for Drinking Water and Recreation. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11108
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58969
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of 34 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0, nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Site 2. Site 1 data was omitted because it has effluent data only.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once in 2004 and approximately once every other month between January 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58968
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 15 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0, nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Watsonville Slough at Ohlone Parkway bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48188
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19149
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18914
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17613
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 84
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 84 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13852
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13725
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48189
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13853
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13726
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48911
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17614
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 67
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 67 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19150
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11109
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13851
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18915
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11107
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19148
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18897
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48187
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48909
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13692
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17612
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 84
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 84 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100285, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48910
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
100241
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status and a water segment shall be placed on the section 303(d) List if the water segment exhibits statistically significant water or sediment toxicity using the binomial distribution as described in section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Six of the 16 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses and three of these samples also resulted in a toxic effect to the standard test organisms. This water segment is on the 303(d) List for sediment toxicity.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Six of the 16 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses and three of these samples also resulted in a toxic effect to the standard test organisms. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100241, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58843
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. Two of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella azteca. The toxicity tests included growth and survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day at the same location. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant effect is defined here using a two-tier approach consistent with the method used by the SWAMP program. The effect must be significant when compared to the control sample based on statistical test alpha level of 0.05 (Probability field in data set) AND the mean must be more than 20 percent different from the control (PercentControl field in data set).
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected annually from April 2007 to April 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100241, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58991
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine samples were collected at three different stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Seven of the nine samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival were observed at 305WAB (7/2/08).
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305WAB - Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, July and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100241, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58873
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDE. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100241, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94050
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100241, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58870
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
83722
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This is a new/revised decision to replace the decisions made for the generic pollutant category of 'Pathogen'.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Eleven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Seventy-two of 200 samples exceed the evaluation standard (Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria, USEPA, 1986) set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and 4 of 89 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation.

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.Seventy-two of 200 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11092
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58904
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of the 32 samples exceeded the E. coli Objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from site 2, Watsonville Slough at the tip of the peninsula about 300 ft E-NE of Nature Center. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every two months from August 2004 to July 2005 before the restoration and every two months from October 2005 to June 2010 after the restoration.
Environmental Conditions: Upper Watsonville Slough is a restoration site. Samples were collected pre-restoration in 2004 and 2005 and post restoration in 2005-2010.
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58896
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 64
Number of Exceedances: 18
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eighteen of the 64 samples exceeded the E. coli objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Manabe-Burgstrom Area. Site 1, Watsonville Slough at mid-point, south side of road/trail that crosses Watsonville Slough from Ford St., Site 2, Watsonville Slough about 30ft east of Ohlone Parkway and site 3, Watsonville Slough just east of Lee Rd. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every monthly from May to August 2006 before the restoration and every two months from April 2007 to June 2010 after the restoration.
Environmental Conditions: Manabe-Burgstrom Area is a restoration site. Samples were collected pre-restoration in 2006 and post restoration in 2007-2010.
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58895
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of the 15 samples exceeded theE. coli Objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Watsonville Slough @ Ohlone Pkwy Bridge. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18492
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/26/2004-11/8/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18534
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13639
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 32
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 32 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11091
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13640
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18535
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83722, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18493
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/26/2004-11/8/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
88095
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Malathion
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two out of nine water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. Two of nine water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88095, Malathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94178
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for MALATHION.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
87807
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agriculture | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2018
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eleven of the 15 samples exceed the Central Coast Region¿s evaluation guideline for maximum nitrate concentration (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) and the protection of aquatic life uses from bio-stimulatory or eutrophic effects (i.e. enhanced algal and aquatic plant growth and unhealthy dissolved oxygen fluctuations). In addition, the following supporting evidence indicates existence of and high risk for eutrophication (such as low dissolved oxygen or elevated chlorophyll a concentrations).

Supporting evidence based on measurements from the Watsonville Slough.
1. Dissolved oxygen for this water body ranged from 1 mg/L to 11.92 frequently exceeding (falling below) the Warm Freshwater Habitat objective of 5.0 mg/L. The dissolved oxygen upper screening level of 13.0 mg/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) was not exceeded but there is ample evidence of wide fluctuations in daily dissolved oxygen concentrations. This water body segment is on the CWA section 303(d) List for low dissolved oxygen.
2. The percent cover of floating algal mats ranged from 0-80% in the creek, at times exceeding the screening threshold of 50% (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010). In stream aquatic vegetation was at times more than 90% cover.
3. Water column chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0 to over 200 ug/L, frequently exceeding the screening threshold of 15 ug/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010). However, the evaluation guideline used in the 303(d) assessment (40 ug/L) is not being exceeded at a frequency that would result in placement of this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List for chlorophyll a.

Supporting evidence based on predicted values from the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool.
4. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted a benthic algal contribution to oxygen deficit for this water body ranging 2.42 mg/L. This exceeds the screening threshold for benthic algal contribution to oxygen deficit of 1.25 mg/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010).
5. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted algae biomass concentrations ranging from 56 ¿ 141 mg/m2. This exceeds the California¿s Nutrient Numeric Endpoint (Creager, et al., 2006) warm water threshold values of 80 grams/m2 ash-free dry weight (AFDW) for algal density.
6. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted benthic chlorophyll a concentrations of 141 mg/m2. This do not exceed the California¿s Nutrient Numeric Endpoint (Creager, et al., 2006) warm water threshold values of 200 mg/m2 benthic chlorophyll a.

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. Eleven of the 15 samples exceed the Central Coast Region¿s evaluation guideline for maximum nitrate concentration (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) and the protection of aquatic life uses from bio-stimulatory or eutrophic effects and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, there is supporting evidence which indicates existence of and high risk for eutrophication. Furthermore, this water body segment is on the 303(d) List due to low dissolved oxygen conditions.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: 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. Eleven of the 15 samples exceed the Central Coast Region¿s evaluation guideline for maximum nitrate concentration (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) and the protection of aquatic life uses from bio-stimulatory or eutrophic effects and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, there is supporting evidence which indicates existence of and high risk for eutrophication. Furthermore, this water body segment is on the 303(d) List due to low dissolved oxygen conditions.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87807, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48894
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
  Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/27/2009-6/29/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
100286
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2023
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day and time at the same location.

Two LOEs summarize sediment samples. Two sediment samples are summarized in LOEs using the test organism as the pollutant (i.e. invertebrate toxicity) and six additional sediment samples are summarized in LOEs using the pollutant name ¿toxicity¿. Therefore, eight total samples are available to assess toxic effects in sediment samples. Four of the eight sediment samples resulted in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms and therefore exceeds the water quality objective for aquatic life protection.

Four LOEs summarize water samples. Five water samples are summarized in LOEs using each of the test organisms as the pollutant name (i.e. plant toxicity, invertebrate toxicity or vertebrate toxicity) and twenty water samples are summarized in LOEs using the pollutant name ¿toxicity¿. Therefore, twenty-five total samples are available to assess toxic effects in water samples. Five of the twenty-five water samples resulted in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms and therefore exceeds the water quality objective for aquatic life protection.

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. Four of the 8 sediment samples and 5 of the 25 water samples resulted in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms and therefore exceed the water quality objective for aquatic life protection. 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 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58843
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. Two of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella azteca. The toxicity tests included growth and survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day at the same location. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant effect is defined here using a two-tier approach consistent with the method used by the SWAMP program. The effect must be significant when compared to the control sample based on statistical test alpha level of 0.05 (Probability field in data set) AND the mean must be more than 20 percent different from the control (PercentControl field in data set).
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected annually from April 2007 to April 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58991
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine samples were collected at three different stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Seven of the nine samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival were observed at 305WAB (7/2/08).
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305WAB - Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, July and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24713
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24695
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24709
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24708
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24691
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-8/22/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24701
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/19/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24702
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58992
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Two of the ten samples exhibited significant toxicity.
Three samples were tested using Hyalella azteca only, six samples were tested using Ceriodaphnia dubia only and one sample (collected on 10/14/09) was tested using two organisms, Hyalella azteca and Ceriodaphnia dubia. Statistically significant effects to Ceriodaphnia dubia were reported for the samples collected in February and October 2009. The October 2009 sample was also toxic to Hyalella azteca.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
  Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WAB (AKA 305WAT) -Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input. This location has two different station codes in this data set.
Temporal Representation: The samples ere collected from January 2008 to October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58990
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Two of the eleven samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests for the samples included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia, survival and growth of Pimephales promelas and total cell count (growth) of Selenastrum capricornutum. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day at the same location. The sample collected on 10/1/2008 exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia reproduction. The sample collected on 1/19/10 exhibited significant toxicity to Pimephales promelas growth. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant effect is defined here using a two-tier approach consistent with the method used by the SWAMP program. The effect must be significant when compared to the control sample based on statistical test alpha level of 0.05 (Probability field in data set) AND the mean must be more than 20 percent different from the control (PercentControl field in data set).
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
  Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from October 2007 to March 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100286, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24714
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83764
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Watsonville Slough Pathogen
TMDL Project Code: 35
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 07/19/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data were assessed. This is a new/revised decision to replace the decisions made for the generic pollutant category of 'Pathogen'.

This pollutant is being considered for addition to the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 2.2, 3.2 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under 3.3 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Thirty of 69 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and 6 of 69 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for adding this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List. In accordance with section 2.2 of the Policy, 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.

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. Thirty of 69 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Watsonville Slough Pathogen TMDL has been approved by USEPA on 07/19/2007.
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This 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.
 
State Board Staff Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83764, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11089
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83764, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 14056
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 26
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 26 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83764, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11088
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83764, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 14057
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):