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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name:	Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)
Water Body ID:	CAL5246100019980814123354
Water Body Type:	Lake & Reservoir


DECISION ID	75270	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

Pollutant:	Indicator Bacteria
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:	Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	The decision has not changed. Region 5 data was not included in the 2012 Integrated Report so all decisions are carried over from the 2010 listing cycle. This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Twelve of 1,643 water samples exceeded the E. coli water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list. 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. Twelve of 1,643 samples exceeded the E. coli guideline (235 MPN single sample limit), and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. The most recent data set was collected from 1998 to 2008. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	This 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 2014 Integrated Report. The decision has not changed.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75270, Indicator Bacteria	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

4580

Pollutant:

Coliform Bacteria

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

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

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 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):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75270, Indicator Bacteria	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

26357

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Analysis of 45 water samples collected by RWQCB staff from 2006 through 2007 shows 0 exceedances of the single sample limit of 235 MPN of E. coli. Samples were collected by trained, qualified staff following appropriate quality assurance protocols. Analysis was conducted using Regional Board equipment and materials in the Redding Office. (Sampling Results Memo dated 14 December 2007)

Data Reference:

SAMPLING RESULTS MEMO: Whiskeytown E. coli and Fecal Coliform sampling, and Recommendation for removal of Whiskeytown Lake from the CWA 303(d) impaired waters list

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA E. Coli objective of 235/100 mL in any single sample (USEPA 1986).

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom swim beaches. Three samples were collected at each beach in order to adequately capture the variable water circulation and swimmer density conditions at these beaches. Sample locations were separated as much as possible in order to capture the range of variation at the sites.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected during the main contact recreation season with emphasis on high use weekends when higher fecal contamination conditions are more probable.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected following standard E. coli water sampling protocols. Samples were collected at 1 to 2 feet water depth using a sterile container. Samples were immediately placed in a cooler. All water samples were analysed for E. coli by staff using the Colilert method in the Redding Regional Board office laboratory. A holding time of 6 hours and Colilert protocols were followed. Total coliform results from the Colilert method are included.Fifteen samples were also collected for fecal coliform analysis and compared with E. coli results of paired grab samples. Basic Lab of Redding performed the fecal coliform analysis per the SM 9221E (15 tube) method.Correlation between the E. coli samples and fecal coliform results show that the E. coli analysis at Whiskeytown is comparable or more sensitive than fecal coliform analysis at low levels.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 75270, Indicator Bacteria	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

26356

Pollutant:

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

1598

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PATHOGEN MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Analysis of 1,598 water samples collected during the period1998 through 2008 shows only 12 exceedances of the single sample limit of 235 MPN of E. coli. The exceedances are distributed over the decade and not concentrated in any single year. The National Park Service monitoring plan and quality control is appropriate for the conditions and analyte. Samples were collected by trained park staff and delivered to a local lab for analysis. Analysis was performed at Basic Lab, which is certified for E. coli and fecal coliform analysis. (Whiskeytown NPS monitoring reports 2006 to 2008)

Data Reference:

SAMPLING RESULTS MEMO: Whiskeytown E. coli and Fecal Coliform sampling, and Recommendation for removal of Whiskeytown Lake from the CWA 303(d) impaired waters list

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA E. Coli objective of 235/100 mL in any single sample (USEPA 1986).

Guideline Reference:

Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at Brandy Creek, Oak Bottom, East Beach, and Whiskeytown Group swim beaches. Three samples were collected at the larger beaches, Brandy Creek and Oak Bottom, in order to adequately capture the variable water circulation and swimmer density conditions at these beaches. Sample locations were separated as much as possible in order to capture the range of variation at the sites.

Temporal Representation:

The total data set spans 1987 to 2008. The period 1998 to present was selected because the Park Service had implemented improvements to address bacteria sources by 1998, and had established a successful monitoring program. Samples were collected during the main contact recreation season from May through September. The annual sample size ranged from a low of 105 in 2000 to 196 in 2006. Sampling events were relatively evenly distributed over the main contact recreation season. High use weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day were included in the sampling.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The monitoring plan and quality assurance procedures are consistent federal swim beach recreation management guidelines. The monitoring was designed to detect high fecal contamination loads during high use and high load conditions. Quality assurance addressed training, chain of custody, sampling methodology, potential field contamination, sample preservation, holding times, and data recording.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	71810	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

Pollutant:	Mercury
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:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2027
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 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess mercury concentrations in fish tissues. 18 of the 79 samples exceed the criteria for COMM. Two LOEs were not used in the final listing decision due to the criterion change. The data in these LOEs were reassessed in new LOEs with the new criterion and these replacement LOEs are used in the final listing decision. These LOE replacements are as follows: 1) LOE 25190 was replaced with LOE 95621; and 2) LOE 25189 was replaced with LOE 95622 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. 18 of the 79 samples exceed the criteria for COMM and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	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 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 71810, Mercury	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

25189

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Fish were sampled for tissue analysis at two locations from Whiskeytown Reservoir. A total of 11 out of 66 samples exceeded the USEPA fish tissue criterion for human health. 1) Whiskeytown Reservoir, near Brandy Creek: The average wet weight mercury concentration in fish tissue was 0.11 ppm for the 26 samples collected at this location. The number of fish collected per sample, the measured mercury concentrations in fish tissue, and the number of exceedances are, by species: Bluegill- 4 samples, 0.07-0.21 ppm (average 0.14 ppm), no exceedances; Brown Bullhead- 7 samples, 0.03-0.05 ppm (average 0.04 ppm), no exceedances; Largemouth Bass- 5 samples, 0.09-0.12 ppm (average 0.1 ppm), no exceedances; Sacramento Pikeminnow- 3 samples, 0.05-0.05 ppm (average 0.05 ppm), no exceedances; Smallmouth Bass- 3 samples, 0.1-0.72 ppm (average 0.36 ppm), 1 exceedance; Spotted Bass- 4 samples, 0.07-0.11 ppm (average 0.08 ppm), no exceedances. 2) Whiskeytown Reservoir, near the Clear Creek inlet: The average wet weight mercury concentration in fish tissue was 0.21 ppm for the 40 samples collected at this location. The number of fish collected per sample, the measured mercury concentrations in fish tissue, and the number of exceedances are, by species: Brook Trout- 16 samples, 0.02-0.03 ppm (average 0.02 ppm), no exceedances; Largemouth Bass- 1 sample, 0.29 ppm, no exceedances; Sacramento Pikeminnow- 5 samples, 0.23-0.83 ppm (average 0.63 ppm), 4 exceedances; Sacramento Sucker- 8 samples, 0.21-0.62 ppm (average 0.44 ppm), 6 exceedances; Spotted Bass- 10 samples, 0.05-0.15 ppm (average 0.09 ppm), no exceedances. All 66 samples were collected from fish with total lengths greater than 150 mm, which represent fish most commonly caught and consumed by sport fishers and their families.

Data Reference:

Fish Mercury Project, Year 2 Annual Report, Sport Fish Sampling and Analysis. Final Report. October 2007

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The USEPA Fish Tissue Residue Criterion for methylmercury in fish is 0.3 mg/kg (0.3 ppm) for the protection of human health. This is the concentration in fish tissue that should not be exceeded based on a total fish and shellfish consumption-weighted rate of 0.0175 kg fish/day. (USEPA, 2001)

Guideline Reference:

Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury. Final. United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology Office of Water. EPA-823-R-01-001. January 2001

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two locations from Whiskeytown Reservoir: near Brandy Creek, and near the Clear Creek and Bull Gulch inlets.

Temporal Representation:

Fish samples were collected during one sampling event between 7/11/2006 and 7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Significant gold mining activity occurred during the Gold Rush era within the Whiskeytown Reservoir watershed and the lands inundated by Whiskeytown Reservoir (USGS, 2005).

QAPP Information:

Data quality: Excellent.. Quality Control for all of the elements described in section 6.1.4 of the Policy was conducted in accordance with the Laboratory QAPP developed by Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML, 2005). This data was also collected and analyzed in accordance with the CALFED Mercury Project QAPP (Puckett and van Buuren, 2000).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71810, Mercury	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

95621

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Two Largemouth Bass composite samples were collected for tissue analysis at one location from Whiskeytown Reservoir. One of the 2 samples exceeded the USEPA fish tissue criterion for human health. The wet weight mercury concentrations of the 2 samples were 0.09 ppm and 0.22 ppm. Both composite samples were collected from fish with average total lengths greater than 150 mm, which represent fish most commonly caught and consumed by sport fishers and their families.

Data Reference:

Mercury Contamination in Fish from Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs. State of California. The Resources Agency. Department of Water Resources. Northern District. July 2007

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Valley Region, Sacramento River Basin and San Joaquin River Basin)

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The U.S. EPA 304(a)-recommended water quality criterion for concentrations of methylmercury in fish tissue of trophic level 4 fish (150 - 500 mm; fillet wet weight) is 0.20 mg/Kg.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at one location near the Whiskey Creek Arm of Whiskeytown Reservoir.

Temporal Representation:

Fish samples were collected during the spring and summer of 2000 and 2001.

Environmental Conditions:

Significant gold mining activity occurred during the Gold Rush era within the Whiskeytown Reservoir watershed and the lands inundated by Whiskeytown Reservoir (USGS, 2005).

QAPP Information:

Data quality: Excellent.. Quality control for sample collection, preparation, handling, and analyses were conducted in accordance with the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan (Puckett, 2002) with the following exception: instead of wrapping fish in Teflon sheets before being frozen and transported to the laboratory, the fish were wrapped in aluminum foil (dull side to skin). This wrapping method should not have affected mercury concentrations. Quality control procedures for selection of target fish species and compositing of samples followed the General Protocol for Sport Fish Sampling and Analysis developed by OEHHA (Gassel and Brodberg, 2005).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71810, Mercury	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

25190

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Two Largemouth Bass composite samples were collected for tissue analysis at one location from Whiskeytown Reservoir. None of the 2 samples exceeded the USEPA fish tissue criterion for human health. The wet weight mercury concentrations of the 2 samples were 0.09 ppm and 0.22 ppm. Both composite samples were collected from fish with average total lengths greater than 150 mm, which represent fish most commonly caught and consumed by sport fishers and their families.

Data Reference:

Mercury Contamination in Fish from Northern California Lakes and Reservoirs. State of California. The Resources Agency. Department of Water Resources. Northern District. July 2007

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at one location near the Whiskey Creek Arm of Whiskeytown Reservoir.

Temporal Representation:

Fish samples were collected during the spring and summer of 2000 and 2001.

Environmental Conditions:

Significant gold mining activity occurred during the Gold Rush era within the Whiskeytown Reservoir watershed and the lands inundated by Whiskeytown Reservoir (USGS, 2005).

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71810, Mercury	Region 5
Whiskeytown Lake (areas near Oak Bottom, Brandy Creek Campgrounds and Whiskeytown)

LOE ID:

95622

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Fish tissue analysis

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Fish were sampled for tissue analysis at two locations from Whiskeytown Reservoir. A total of 17 out of 77 samples exceeded the USEPA fish tissue criterion for human health.

1) Whiskeytown Reservoir, near Brandy Creek: The average wet weight mercury concentration in fish tissue was 0.11 ppm for the 37 samples collected at this location. The number of fish collected per sample, the measured mercury concentrations in fish tissue, and the number of exceedances are, by species:

Bluegill- 13 samples, 0.07-0.21 ppm (average 0.14 ppm), 1 exceedance;
Brown Bullhead- 7 samples, 0.03-0.05 ppm (average 0.04 ppm), no exceedances;
Largemouth Bass- 5 samples, 0.09-0.12 ppm (average 0.1 ppm), no exceedances;
Sacramento Pikeminnow- 5 samples, 0.05-0.05 ppm (average 0.05 ppm), no exceedances;
Smallmouth Bass- 3 samples, 0.1-0.72 ppm (average 0.36 ppm), 2 exceedances;
Spotted Bass- 4 samples, 0.07-0.11 ppm (average 0.08 ppm), no exceedances.

2) Whiskeytown Reservoir, near the Clear Creek inlet: The average wet weight mercury concentration in fish tissue was 0.21 ppm for the 40 samples collected at this location. The number of fish collected per sample, the measured mercury concentrations in fish tissue, and the number of exceedances are, by species:

Brook Trout- 16 samples, 0.02-0.03 ppm (average 0.02 ppm), no exceedances;
Largemouth Bass- 1 sample, 0.29 ppm, 1 exceedance;
Sacramento Pikeminnow- 5 samples, 0.23-0.83 ppm (average 0.63 ppm), 5 exceedances;
Sacramento Sucker- 8 samples, 0.21-0.62 ppm (average 0.44 ppm), 8 exceedances;
Spotted Bass- 10 samples, 0.05-0.15 ppm (average 0.09 ppm), no exceedances.

All 77 samples were collected from fish with total lengths greater than 150 mm, which represent fish most commonly caught and consumed by sport fishers and their families.

Data Reference:

Fish Mercury Project, Year 2 Annual Report, Sport Fish Sampling and Analysis. Final Report. October 2007

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins. 4th ed

Evaluation Guideline:

The U.S. EPA 304(a)-recommended water quality criterion for concentrations of methylmercury in fish tissue of trophic level 4 fish (150 - 500 mm; fillet wet weight) is 0.20 mg/Kg.

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected at two locations from Whiskeytown Reservoir: near Brandy Creek, and near the Clear Creek and Bull Gulch inlets.

Temporal Representation:

Fish samples were collected during one sampling event between 7/11/2006 and 7/13/2006.

Environmental Conditions:

Significant gold mining activity occurred during the Gold Rush era within the Whiskeytown Reservoir watershed and the lands inundated by Whiskeytown Reservoir (USGS, 2005).

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):