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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
Water Body ID: CAR9091200020091030145725
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
77735
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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: 2021
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 4.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.3 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.
Enterococcus
28 of 32 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.
Fecal coliform
18 of 32 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.
Total coliform
9 of 17 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.

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. Samples and exceedences are as follows:
Enterococcus
28 of 32 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.
Fecal coliform
18 of 32 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.
Total coliform
9 of 17 samples exceed the single sample objective for water contact recreation.
The enterococcus, fecal coliform, and total coliform samples 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 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 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 77735, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77024
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 13 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Samples shall not exceed 61 organisms per 100 ml for enterococcus in waters designated for REC I beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road and Sweetwater River @ Willow Road,]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/19/2003-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77735, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30900
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective for Enterococcus and thirteen of fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective for Fecal Coliform according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, the most stringent of the US EPA bacteriological criteria for enterococcus sets a maximum limit at 61 colonies per 100mL (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77735, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30901
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, no more than 10% of the samples during any 30-day period for waters designated for contact recreation shall exceed 400 per 100 ml.
From the Basin Plan, no more than 10% of the samples for waters designated for contact recreation shall exceed 400 per 100 ml (RWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77735, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77026
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I), the fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road and Sweetwater River @ Willow Road,]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/19/2003-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77735, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77096
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxicsubstances in concentrations which are toxic to,or which produce detrimental physiologicalresponses in human, plant, animal, or indigenousaquatic life (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In waters designated for water contact recreation (REC I), the total coliform concentration shall not exceed 10000 MPN/100 ml (CDPH 2006).
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road and Sweetwater River @ Willow Road,]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/19/2003-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
 
DECISION ID
77701
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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: 2021
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.

One line of evidence for this cycle is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 19 samples exceed the criteria.

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. Zero of 19 samples from this cycle exceeded the criteria, and this number of samples is insufficient to delist with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. A minimum of 28 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 4.1.
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 77701, Selenium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30915
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 15 samples collected at Sweetwater River exceed the water quality objective of 5 µg/L for dissolved selenium. Samples for Sweetwater River were collected in from February 2002 to February 2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Freshwater Chronic (CCC) 5 ug/L. (U.S. EPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Water samples were collected at Sweetwater River just North of Bonita Rd
Temporal Representation: Samples for Sweetwater River were collected February 2002 to February 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance procedures in compliance with Weston Solutions Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Weston Solutions, 2004. Quality Management Manual. March 2004 (Revised December 2009).
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77701, Selenium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30892
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of the four samples collected at Sweetwater River exceed the water quality objective of 5 µg/L for dissolved selenium according to results in California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Report, 2007. Samples for Sweetwater River were collected in May 2005, September 2005, January 2006, and April 2006.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Freshwater Chronic (CCC) 5 ug/L. (U.S. EPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Water samples were collected at Sweetwater River stations 909SSWR08.
Temporal Representation: Samples for Sweetwater River were collected in May 2005, September 2005, January 2006, and April 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77701, Selenium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78180
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Selenium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
77320
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
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: 2021
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 4.6 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 from this cycle to assess pollutant. Fifteen of the 20 samples exceed the criteria.

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. Fifteen of 20 samples from this cycle exceeded the Criteria 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 77320, Toxicity
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76855
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to test for toxicity. One of the samples exhibited statistically and biologically significant toxicity. The failed toxicity tests included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is 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. Additionally, the biological significance of the sample is evaluated by determining whether the sample response is lower than the evaluation threshold.
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
Guideline Reference: 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 from site 909_SMC01258, Sweetwater River, lower.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in June 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: This data was collected for the Regional Monitoring Of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds - Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Bioassessment Working Group. CRG Marine Laboratories Quality Assurance Program Document was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77320, Toxicity
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30897
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Toxicity was observed in the following tests.
Selenastrum capricornutum-
Seven of fifteen samples collected were found to be toxic.

Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction: Five of 15 tests were found to be toxic.

Hyalella azteca; No samples were toxic.

Data was collected by San Diego County for their urban runoff monitoring program.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Samples were found to exhibit toxicity when the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) or median lethal concentration (LC50) for any given species was estimated to be less than 100% of the test sample concentration.
Guideline Reference: Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Urban Runoff From the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Draining the Watersheds of the County of San Diego, the Incorporated Cities of San Diego, the San Diego Unified Port District, and the San Diego County Regional Airport. Order No. R9-2007-0001
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Sweetwater River at Bonita Rd near Plaza Bonita.
Temporal Representation: Samples were taken between February 2002 and February 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance Weston's quality assurance plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Weston Solutions, 2004. Quality Management Manual. March 2004 (Revised December 2009).
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77320, Toxicity
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30899
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Toxicity was observed in the following data from the Storm Water Ambient Monitoring Program

Selenastrum capricornutum-
All three samples showed significant toxicity levels.

Hyalella azteca - One of one samples were toxic for Hyalella growth in sediment.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to SWAMP, waters are considered toxic when samples show significant toxicity levels (SWAMP code ¿SL¿) when compared to a negative control. Significant toxicity is determined when statistical tests result in an alpha of less than 5% and percent control values less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the monitoring station Sweetwater River 8 located on the main stem of the Sweetwater River.
Temporal Representation: Samples were taken between May 2005, September 2005, and January 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
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 77320, Toxicity
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77097
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nineteen samples were collected to test for toxicity. Ten of the 19 samples exhibited statistically significant toxicity. The toxicity tests that exhibited significant toxicity included growth of Selenastrum capriconutum and survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, 2001-2008.
 
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 San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is 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.
Guideline Reference: 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
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
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 909SR-MLS Sweetwater River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from 2002 to 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the County of San Diego Co-Permittees Receiving Waters Urban Runoff Monitoring and Reporting Program (Order No. 2007-01). Data quality is good.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
 
DECISION ID
87328
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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.

Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 20 samples exceed the criteria.

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 20 samples exceeded the criteria 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 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 87328, Arsenic
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76931
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 0.150 mg/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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87328, Arsenic
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78155
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved arsenic is 0.150 mg/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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
84831
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
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 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 zero samples exceed the beneficial use guidelines.

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 zero samples exceeded the guideline. The samples were not used in the assessment due to reporting limits that were higher than the guideline. 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 fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 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 84831, Bifenthrin
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76950
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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.
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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
87329
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 35 samples exceed the criteria.

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 35 samples exceeded the criteria 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 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 87329, Cadmium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76952
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87329, Cadmium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78161
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved cadmium is 0.0022 mg/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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87329, Cadmium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76962
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater for dissolved cadmium is 0.0022 mg/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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
87384
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 18 samples exceed the criteria.

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 18 samples exceed the criteria 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 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 87384, Chromium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76984
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego Dept. of Public Works data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87384, Chromium
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76985
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego NDPES data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations for dissolved Chromium to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The dissolved Chromium criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
86641
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Copper
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 33 samples exceed the criteria.

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 33 samples exceeded the criteria 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 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 86641, Copper
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76997
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego NDPES data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations for dissolved Copper to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The dissolved Copper criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86641, Copper
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76986
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86641, Copper
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76988
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego Dept. of Public Works data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
84832
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
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 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 zero samples exceed the beneficial use guidelines.

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 zero samples exceeded the guideline. The samples were not used in the assessment due to reporting limits that were higher than the guideline. 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 fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 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 84832, Cypermethrin
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78169
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin, total.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
 
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 for the San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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. 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 84832, Cypermethrin
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76998
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin, total.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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. 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
84833
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
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 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 one sample exceeded the beneficial use guidelines.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one samples exceeded the guideline. 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 fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 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 84833, Deltamethrin
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77011
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.02 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
86642
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
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 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Considering the nation-wide ban of diazinon which went into effect on January 1, 2005, data from 2005 and on were evaluated in the assessment, and zero of nine samples exceed the Criteria in LOE #77012.

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. Considering the nation-wide ban of diazinon which went into effect on January 1, 2005, data from 2005 and on were evaluated in the assessment, and zero of nine samples exceed the Criteria in LOE #77012 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 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 86642, Diazinon
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77014
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water lifetime health advisory for diazinon is 1 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2011 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86642, Diazinon
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77013
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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 for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86642, Diazinon
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77012
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) 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 from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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 for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/11/2005 -10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86642, Diazinon
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78174
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for diazinon is 1.4 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
 
DECISION ID
84875
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
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 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 one sample exceeded the beneficial use guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of one sample exceeded the guideline. 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 fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 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 84875, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77025
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database, the aquatic life EC50 for Esfenvalerate is 0.9 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
86580
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Lead
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 15 samples exceed the beneficial use guideline for Municipal and Domestic use. Zero of the 33 samples exceed the beneficial use guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat use.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 33 samples exceed the beneficial use guideline for Warm Freshwater Habitat use 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 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 86580, Lead
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77043
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego NDPES data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations for dissolved Lead to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The dissolved Lead criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86580, Lead
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77042
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego Dept. of Public Works data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86580, Lead
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77027
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the lead guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for lead is 0.015 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations). The level is also known as an action level under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86580, Lead
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77041
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
 
DECISION ID
86694
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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.

Two line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 24 samples exceed the criteria.

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. Two of 24 samples exceeded the criteria 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 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 86694, Malathion
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77060
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Malathion.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for malathion is 0.1 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86694, Malathion
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77059
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Malathion.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for malathion is 0.1 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86694, Malathion
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78176
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Malathion.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for malathion is 100 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86694, Malathion
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77044
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Malathion.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water lifetime health advisory for malathion is 500 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2011 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
87385
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 18 samples exceed the criteria.

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 18 samples exceeded the criteria 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 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 87385, Nickel
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77062
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego NDPES data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations for dissolved Nickel to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The dissolved Nickel criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87385, Nickel
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77061
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego Dept. of Public Works data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
85747
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 20 samples exceed the beneficial use guidelines.

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 20 samples exceeded the 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 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 85747, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78178
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) is 10.0 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85747, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77078
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) is 10.0 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
85118
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 22 samples exceed the beneficial use guideline.

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 22 samples exceeded the 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 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 85118, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78179
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrite (as N) is 1.0 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85118, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77079
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrite (as N) is 1.0 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/19/2003-6/24/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85118, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77080
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrite (as N) is 1.0 mg/L (Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Maximum Contaminant Levels for organic and inorganic chemicals. CCR Title 22
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
85120
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 two samples exceeded the guideline.

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 two samples exceeded the guideline and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 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 85120, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76919
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/19/2003-6/24/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
 
DECISION ID
73054
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. All three of the samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. All three of the samples exceeded the sulfate water quality objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. A minimum of five samples is needed for application of table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This 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 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 73054, Sulfates
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30886
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollution
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three of three samples collected at Sweetwater River show excessive sulfate concentrations according to results in California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Report, 2007. Samples were collected in January 2003, April 2003, and May 2003.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The recommended secondary drinking water standard for sulfate is 250 mg/l (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Water samples were collected at Sweetwater River Stations 909SSWR08.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in January 2003, April 2003, and May 2003
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
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
86582
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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(s) of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 0 samples exceeds the criteria.

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 0 samples exceeds the criteria and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.
4. Pursuant to section 3.2 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 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 86582, Temperature, water
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77095
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for temperature in this water body.
Data Reference: Data for Trash, Nutrients, and Pathogens in Region 9, 2007-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5°F above the natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129). Since there is no evaluation guideline for assessing temperature for the warm freshwater aquatic life beneficial use, this line of evidence will not be used for Listing Decisions in the 2012 Integrated Report and will be retired for said Listing cycle.
Guideline Reference: Fish introductions in CA: History and impact on native fishes. Davis, CA: University of CA, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following stations: SWT-010-Plaza Bonita Rd. SWT-020-S17 Sweetwater Rd.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between January, 2009 and July, 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan Prepared by: Clay Clifton (San Diego Coastkeeper, Local Project Sponsor Manager), Bob Stafford (San Diego Stream Team), Dr. Rick Gersberg (San Diego State University), Bryan Bjorndal (Assure Controls, Inc.), and Morgan Justice-Black (I Love A Clean San Diego).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
86693
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status 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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 33 samples exceed the Criteria.

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. One of the 33 samples exceed the Criteria 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 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 86693, Zinc
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76877
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego NDPES data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations for dissolved Zinc to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The dissolved Zinc criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86693, Zinc
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78146
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
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, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Secondary MCL for zinc is 5.0 mg/L (Title 22 California Code of Regulations).
Guideline Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86693, Zinc
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76856
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual chemical or combination of chemicals shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Secondary MCL for zinc is 5.0 mg/L (Title 22 California Code of Regulations).
Guideline Reference: Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86693, Zinc
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76857
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego DWM data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected 6/19/2003 - 6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86693, Zinc
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76858
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego Dept. of Public Works data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River, lower - 909_SMC01258]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 6/21/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the CRG Marine Laboratories and SMC Workplan.
 
 
DECISION ID
85768
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: A Source Unknown | Hydromodification | Illicit Connections/Illegal Hook-ups/Dry Weather Flows | Unknown Nonpoint Source | Unknown Point Source | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 and 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, an additional line of evidence associating Benthic Community Effects with a water or sediment concentration of pollutant(s) is necessary to assess listing status.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence provides sufficient justification for placing Benthic Community Effects in this water segment on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Pursuant to section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, the water exhibits significant degradation in biological populations and/or communities as compared to reference site(s) using the California Stream Condition Index.
4. Pursuant to section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, the water segment has associated pollutant(s) samples that exceed water quality objectives.
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are being 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(s) contributes to or causes the problem.
 
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 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 72770
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven of the eleven samples collected had IBI scores below 40. tr11c NPDES bioassessment
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, 2001-2008.
 
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 or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration or other appropriate methods as specified by the State or Regional Board. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores below 40 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SR-MLS and SR-WS Sweetwater River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected twice a year in May and October from 2002 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the Southern California Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Bioassessment Quality Assurance Project Plan, June 25, 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for SWAMP Bioassessment and Freshwater Bioassessment.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77097
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nineteen samples were collected to test for toxicity. Ten of the 19 samples exhibited statistically significant toxicity. The toxicity tests that exhibited significant toxicity included growth of Selenastrum capriconutum and survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, 2001-2008.
 
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 San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is 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.
Guideline Reference: 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
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
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 909SR-MLS Sweetwater River.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from 2002 to 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the County of San Diego Co-Permittees Receiving Waters Urban Runoff Monitoring and Reporting Program (Order No. 2007-01). Data quality is good.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30899
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Toxicity was observed in the following data from the Storm Water Ambient Monitoring Program

Selenastrum capricornutum-
All three samples showed significant toxicity levels.

Hyalella azteca - One of one samples were toxic for Hyalella growth in sediment.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to SWAMP, waters are considered toxic when samples show significant toxicity levels (SWAMP code ¿SL¿) when compared to a negative control. Significant toxicity is determined when statistical tests result in an alpha of less than 5% and percent control values less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the monitoring station Sweetwater River 8 located on the main stem of the Sweetwater River.
Temporal Representation: Samples were taken between May 2005, September 2005, and January 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
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 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30897
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Ambient toxicity testing (chronic)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Toxicity was observed in the following tests.
Selenastrum capricornutum-
Seven of fifteen samples collected were found to be toxic.

Ceriodaphnia dubia survival and reproduction: Five of 15 tests were found to be toxic.

Hyalella azteca; No samples were toxic.

Data was collected by San Diego County for their urban runoff monitoring program.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, all waters shall be free of toxic substances that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Samples were found to exhibit toxicity when the No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) or median lethal concentration (LC50) for any given species was estimated to be less than 100% of the test sample concentration.
Guideline Reference: Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges of Urban Runoff From the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems Draining the Watersheds of the County of San Diego, the Incorporated Cities of San Diego, the San Diego Unified Port District, and the San Diego County Regional Airport. Order No. R9-2007-0001
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Sweetwater River at Bonita Rd near Plaza Bonita.
Temporal Representation: Samples were taken between February 2002 and February 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance Weston's quality assurance plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Weston Solutions, 2004. Quality Management Manual. March 2004 (Revised December 2009).
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76855
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to test for toxicity. One of the samples exhibited statistically and biologically significant toxicity. The failed toxicity tests included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Pesticides and Toxicity from the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is 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. Additionally, the biological significance of the sample is evaluated by determining whether the sample response is lower than the evaluation threshold.
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
Guideline Reference: 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 from site 909_SMC01258, Sweetwater River, lower.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in June 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: This data was collected for the Regional Monitoring Of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds - Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Bioassessment Working Group. CRG Marine Laboratories Quality Assurance Program Document was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30894
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (RWQCB, 2007)

A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus, P. These values are not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used. (RWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30888
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven of 15 samples collected exceed the water quality objective. Since a maximum of four samples were collected at most in a one year period, any exceedance results in an annual exceedance frequency greater than 10% according to the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, concentrations of total dissolved solids cannot exceed 1500 mg/L. This concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30892
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of the four samples collected at Sweetwater River exceed the water quality objective of 5 µg/L for dissolved selenium according to results in California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Report, 2007. Samples for Sweetwater River were collected in May 2005, September 2005, January 2006, and April 2006.
Data Reference: Monitoring data for Region 9
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Freshwater Chronic (CCC) 5 ug/L. (U.S. EPA, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards; Establishment of Numeric Criteria for Priority Toxic Pollutants for the State of California; Rule. 40 CFR Part 131. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX, Water Division, San Francisco, CA
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Water samples were collected at Sweetwater River stations 909SSWR08.
Temporal Representation: Samples for Sweetwater River were collected in May 2005, September 2005, January 2006, and April 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality control for the chemical analysis portion of this study was conducted in accordance with the California Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30889
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007.
Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (RWQCB, 2007)

Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin Goal of 0.1 mg/L for total phosphorus in streams and other flowing waters. (RWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77059
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Malathion.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for malathion is 0.1 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/16/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77012
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) 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 from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego 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 for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/11/2005 -10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77930
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 14 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos. Three sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.014 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 79678
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of twelve samples were taken at three stations. Ten of the samples were below the 0.79 threshold, and therefore exceeding the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use. Two of the samples were not scored due to low organism counts.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, 2001-2008.
  RWB9 Status Sampling 2007 and 2008
  Bioassessment Data for Various Pollutants from Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
  Region 9 CSCI Scores & Water Body Information
 
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 or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations: SR-WS (SR-MLS), SMC01258, 909SSWR08
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from 2002 to 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols for the RWB9 Status Sampling 2007 and 2008 water quality monitoring project, the County of San Diego NPDES MS4 Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, and the Southern California Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Bioassessment Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Copermittees Receiving Waters Monitoring and Reporting Program, 2001-2008.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for SWAMP Bioassessment and Freshwater Bioassessment.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Data for Various Pollutants from Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s): RWB9 Status Sampling 2007 and 2008
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76949
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The one sample collected had an IBI score below 40. The score was 14.3. SMC bioassessment
Data Reference: Bioassessment Data for Various Pollutants from Stormwater Monitoring Coalition Regional Monitoring of Southern California Coastal Watersheds, 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 or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration or other appropriate methods as specified by the State or Regional Board. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores below 40 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at 909_SMC01258, Sweetwater River, lower.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in May 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under the Southern California Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Bioassessment Quality Assurance Project Plan, June 25, 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85768, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76933
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The IBI score for this water body was 9 which indicates that this water body may be considered to have impaired conditions.
Data Reference: RWB9 Status Sampling 2007 and 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores below 40 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): pp. 1-13
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the following station: 909SSWR08-Sweetwater River 8.
Temporal Representation: Surveys done May 5, 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data collected following SWAMP QA protocols for the RWB9 Status Sampling 2007 and 2008 water quality monitoring project.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87383
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the 14 samples exceed the criteria.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of the 14 samples exceed the criteria 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 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 87383, Chlorpyrifos
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 78163
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for chlorpyrifos is 2.1 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87383, Chlorpyrifos
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 76975
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Data for Metals, Nutrients, Inorganics, Organics, Pathogens, and Pesticides from the County of San Diego, 2003-2009.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road, Sweetwater River @ Willow Road, Sweetwater River @ Plaza Bonita Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/4/2006-6/4/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8 was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from the Truesdail Laboratories, Rev. 12, Enviromatrix Analytical and Dry Weather Monitoring Program Rev. 8.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87383, Chlorpyrifos
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 77930
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed County of San Diego data for Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 14 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos. Three sample results were not used in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants from the County of San Diego Department of Public Works Watershed Protection Program, 2001-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in the water column, sediments or biota at concentration(s) that adversely affect beneficial uses. Pesticides shall not be present at levels which will bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms to levels which are harmful to human health, wildlife or aquatic organisms (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.014 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 Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Sweetwater River - 909SR-MLS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/17/2002-10/5/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, the Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products were followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from Weston, The Regional Monitoring Workgroup Urban Runoff Monitoring Final Report Methods Sections and Statements of Work, and Weston Solutions Inc. Desk Reference for Quality Control Of Work Products.
 
 
DECISION ID
76883
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen
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: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
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 are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Thirteen of the 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for total nitrogen.

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 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. Thirteen of 15 samples exceed the total nitrogen water quality objective 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 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 76883, Nitrogen
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30894
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (RWQCB, 2007)

A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total phosphorus, P. These values are not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time unless studies of the specific water body in question clearly show that water quality objective changes are permissible and changes are approved by the Regional Board. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used. (RWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77205
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
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: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. All 15 of the samples exceed the water quality objective for phosphorus.

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 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. All 15 samples exceed the phosphorus water quality objective 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: 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 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 77205, Phosphorus
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30889
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All fifteen samples collected exceed the water quality objective according to results in the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007.
Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water bodies shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growth to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (RWQCB, 2007)

Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin Goal of 0.1 mg/L for total phosphorus in streams and other flowing waters. (RWQCB, 2007)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77469
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The decision has not changed from the previous listing cycle. No new data were assessed for the current listing cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eleven of 15 samples exceed the water quality objective for total dissolved solids.

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 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. Eleven of 15 samples exceed the total dissolved solids 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: 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 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 77469, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 9     
Sweetwater River, Lower (below Sweetwater Reservoir)
 
LOE ID: 30888
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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: Fixed station physical/chemical monitoring (conventional pollutants only)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven of 15 samples collected exceed the water quality objective. Since a maximum of four samples were collected at most in a one year period, any exceedance results in an annual exceedance frequency greater than 10% according to the San Diego County Municipal Copermittees Annual Progress Report, 2007. Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Data Reference: Urban Runoff Monitoring, Volume 1- Final Report To request a file review please contact the San Diego Regional Board receptionist. They may be reached by phone at (619) 516-1990, by email at rb9_records@waterboards.ca.gov, by fax at (619) 516-1994, or mail your request to: California Regional Water Quality Control Board Attention: File Review Request 2375 Northside Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92108 The ECM document handle is #2733059
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: From the Basin Plan, concentrations of total dissolved solids cannot exceed 1500 mg/L. This concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (RWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at the mass loading station located near the lower boundary of the watershed in Bonita, just north of Bonita Road and adjacent to the Plaza Bonita Road Bridge
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected two to four times a year from 2002-2006.
Environmental Conditions: Samples were collected during wet weather.
QAPP Information: QA/QC conducted according to Federal Regulations under requirements of a NPDES permit
QAPP Information Reference(s):