Draft California 2020 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Toro Creek
Water Body ID: CAR3101801020020124151249
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
130268
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

The State Water Boards Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the ISWEBE Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use which were adopted on August 7, 2018: where the salinity level of a waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies; and where the salinity level of a waterbody is greater than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the Enterococci bacteria objective applies.

These objectives supersede the fecal coliform water quality objective for water contact recreation. Consequently, the fecal coliform objective for water contact recreation is no longer applicable to this waterbody and those LOEs have been removed from this decision. Therefore, this waterbody is being removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

However, four lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant and the non-contact recreation use. Therefore, this pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One of the 32 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation.

After review of the available data and information for the non-contact recreation beneficial use, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the 32 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.
 
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 130268, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52429
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130268, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11853
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130268, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 150153
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated for a 30-Day peroid.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section 3.3.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 mL, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 310TOR
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130268, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 150130
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated for a 30-Day peroid.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section 3.3.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 mL, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 310TCC
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109006
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Two of 32 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat water quality objective (Basin Plan) and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (Basin Plan). Zero of 32 samples exceed the water quality objective for warm freshwater habitat (Basin Plan). Zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for estuarine habitat (Basin Plan). Note that there is no difference between samples fractions ‘dissolved’ and ‘total,’ therefore sample and exceedance counts will be summed for the purpose of this decision.

Previous decisions (pre-2020) included dissolved oxygen saturation LOEs as ancillary evidence. This decision will no longer include dissolved oxygen saturation and these LOEs will be retired next cycle.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) List. The data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported. For fish spawning and estuarine habitat, 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.

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 32 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat objective, zero of 11 samples exceed the fish spawning objective, none of the 32 samples exceed the for warm freshwater habitat objective, and zero of 11 samples exceed the estuarine habitat objective. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The original listing was based on the inappropriate water quality objective for oxygen saturation.
5. 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 be removed from the section 303(d) List. The original listing was based on the inappropriate water quality objective for oxygen saturation. 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 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13379
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52468
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52446
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13380
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174906
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174398
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 175828
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174693
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174904
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174907
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174836
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109006, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 174880
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109015
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109015, Aluminum
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 157316
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The 4-day average for fish and water consumption is 0.087 mg/L (USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109015, Aluminum
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156981
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for aluminum for irrigation supply as 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
128089
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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.

Sixteen lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. The following is a summary of the sample and exceedances for each beneficial use:

Based on LOEs summarizing un-ionized ammonia data, zero of the 21 samples exceed the water quality objective (Basin Plan) set to protect aquatic life.

Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the seven samples exceed the EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria set to protect aquatic life. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the 32 samples exceed the EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level set to protect municipal and domestic supply uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the water quality objectives 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 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 184257
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-03-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 184240
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2012 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 a lifetime of exposure.'
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 183964
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-03-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 219282
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-02-12 to 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 219393
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-02-12 to 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 219551
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-02-12 to 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 219390
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 8 samples were collected, 8 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-02-12 to 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9943
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
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 Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52473
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 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. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
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 Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9957
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52432
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52453
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9944
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 184258
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-03-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 184403
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-03-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128089, Ammonia
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 183981
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2012 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 a lifetime of exposure.'
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108998
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

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. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. 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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108998, Arsenic
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 157733
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Arsenic is 10 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108998, Arsenic
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 158125
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for arsenic for irrigation supply as 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108999
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Boron
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 27 boron (dissolved) samples and zero of the 11 boron (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 27 boron (dissolved) samples and zero of the 11 boron (total) samples exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159250
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159563
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9958
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-8/5/2002. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159463
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52424
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108999, Boron
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159591
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109000
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109000, Cadmium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159915
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for cadmium is 0.005 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109000, Cadmium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159778
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for cadmium for irrigation supply as 0.01 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109000, Cadmium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159624
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109000, Cadmium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 160260
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109000, Cadmium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 159706
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109001
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 11 chloride (dissolved) samples and 1 of the 16 chloride (fraction=none) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

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 11 chloride (dissolved) samples and 1 of the 16 chloride (fraction=none) exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 109001, Chloride
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9959
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-8/5/2002. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109001, Chloride
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 160754
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109001, Chloride
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52425
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109001, Chloride
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 160756
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109014
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Chromium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109014, Chromium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 161683
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for chromium for irrigation supply is 0.10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109014, Chromium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162063
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for total chromium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
125891
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The State Water Board’s Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the ISWEBE Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies. Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the E. coli objective.

In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. E. coli populations may fluctuate substantially on a daily, seasonal, or yearly basis. Lacking constant inputs, indicator bacteria do not persist in the environment for a long period and effects are of relatively short duration. As a result, the historic levels of E. coli in the waterbody may be a poor indicator of current risks to human health, particularly when more recent data are available to sufficiently assess the water quality standard.

Additionally, water quality conditions in waterbodies may change as a result of management actions that have been implemented to address E. coli. Unrepresentative data may result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List, which could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a human health problem. Historic lines of evidence for data collected prior to 2010 were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy.

All samples are evaluated using the statistical threshold value (STV) water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). The water quality objective states that the STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month. Where there are more than one samples collected within any six-week period, a geomean of those samples is calculated and evaluated using the geomean water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019).

Although two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. Four of the 11 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOEs 150177 and 150149) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected in 2015. This sample count of data collected since 2010 is insufficient to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy.

Note, there is one line of evidence summarizing historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). Two of the seven historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (LOE 52488). These data are not used for making this decision or used in the final use support ratings.

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.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four out of the 11 samples exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. 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: Although two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. Four of the 11 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOEs 150177 and 150149) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. No geomeans could be calculated for these data. The data were collected in 2015. This sample count of data collected since 2010 is insufficient to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy.

Note, there is one line of evidence summarizing historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). Two of the seven historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation (LOE 52488). These data are not used for making this decision or used in the final use support ratings.

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.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four out of the 11 samples exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 125891, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52488
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15 of the USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986).
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125891, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 150177
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 8 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 310TCC
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125891, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 150149
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 3 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 310TOR
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109003
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109003, Lead
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 167940
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109003, Lead
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 167901
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Public Health Goal for lead in sources of drinking water is 0.0002 mg/L. (OEHHA 2009)
Guideline Reference: Public Health Goal for Lead in Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109003, Lead
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 167960
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109003, Lead
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 167631
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109003, Lead
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 167629
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for lead for livestock watering as 0.1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109004
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Manganese
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109004, Manganese
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 168990
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Manganese.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan identified as the maximum concentration for manganese for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
130777
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Five LOEs summarize water samples:
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016), set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use.
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury water quality objective (Basin Plan), set to protect for agricultural supply beneficial use.
- Zero of one water sample exceeds the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use.

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.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No water samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130777, Mercury
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 169421
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents known to be deleterious to fish or wildlife (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.77 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130777, Mercury
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 169481
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for mercury for livestock watering as 0.01 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130777, Mercury
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 169218
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents known to be deleterious to fish or wildlife (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.77 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130777, Mercury
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 169458
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130777, Mercury
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 169513
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The mercury criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms for mercury is 0.050 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109005
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 171070
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The maximum contaminant level of nickel in public water systems shall be 0.1 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 171008
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 170549
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 171074
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nickel for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 170688
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109005, Nickel
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 170758
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
128228
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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.

Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Lines of evidence for the pollutant name Nitrate and for the pollutant name Nitrogen, Nitrate are combined (same pollutant). Where the fraction is none, not recorded, or total, staff assumed that the fraction is dissolved, based on the analytical method. In these cases, sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision.

The Agricultural Supply beneficial use is fully supported. Zero of the 32 nitrate samples and zero of the eight nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the water quality objectives for irrigation water (30 mg/L) and livestock watering (100 mg/L) respectively.

The Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use is fully supported. Zero of the 32 nitrate samples and zero of the eight nitrate/nitrite samples exceed this water quality objective.

The Aquatic Life beneficial uses are fully supported. Since the 2010 Integrated Report assessment cycle, Central Coast Water Board staff assessed nitrate data using an evaluation guideline (Central Coast Region Technical Report, 2010) to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulatory substances, set to protect Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat uses. One of the 19 nitrate samples and one of the 8 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed this evaluation guideline. Staff also evaluated the dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a data in accordance with section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory response in this waterbody.

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 32 nitrate samples and zero of the eight nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the water quality objectives for Agricultural Supply and Municipal and Domestic Supply uses and 1 of the samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. These do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board 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 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52456
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52485
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52445
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173299
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173296
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52439
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for nitrate + nitrite for livestock watering is 100 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52444
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9972
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52484
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52455
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9960
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52427
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173282
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173095
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 172567
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173075
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173207
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128228, Nitrate
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 172831
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
130659
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

A total of three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “dissolved” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. A total of zero of 19 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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. A total of zero of 19 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use. 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 130659, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173266
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicalslisted in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nitrite for livestock watering as 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130659, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52440
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for nitrite for livestock watering is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130659, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 173383
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicalslisted in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nitrite for livestock watering as 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109008
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109008, Selenium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 180837
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109008, Selenium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181141
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life from dissolved selenium in saline water is 0.071 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109008, Selenium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181150
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109008, Selenium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 180892
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for selenium for irrigation supply as 0.02 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109008, Selenium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181140
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for selenium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109009
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109009, Silver
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181247
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109009, Silver
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181470
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109009, Silver
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181200
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-10 and 2015-09-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109010
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 16 sodium (fraction=none) samples and zero of the 11 sodium (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

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 16 sodium (fraction=none) samples and zero of the 11 sodium (total) samples exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 109010, Sodium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 9973
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-8/5/2002. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109010, Sodium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52442
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109010, Sodium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181658
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109010, Sodium
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 181683
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
126433
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, a total of zero of 33 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply. Note that the pollutant name for the older LOEs is electrical conductivity. This was an error and the pollutant name should have always been specific conductivity. For this reason, all four of the LOEs are combined into this assessment for specific conductivity.

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.

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. A total of zero of 33 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board 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 126433, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 182659
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126433, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52426
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3000 uS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126433, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11854
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126433, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156214
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
126152
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use.

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.

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. A total of zero of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board 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 126152, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13415
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: 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).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126152, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52472
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126152, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 216836
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126152, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 216624
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109011
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. These two lines of evidence summarize total dissolved solids data and zero of the 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses.

This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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.

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 11 total dissolved solids samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109011, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 183490
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan where water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm. In footnote b of Table 3-1, the mmho/cm x 640 = approximate total dissolved solids (TDS) in mg/L or ppm. Therefore, 3.0 mmho/cm x 640 = 1920 with rounding to one significant figure equals 2,000 mg/L TDS.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109011, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 183564
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan where water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm. In footnote b of Table 3-1, the mmho/cm x 640 = approximate total dissolved solids (TDS) in mg/L or ppm. Therefore, 3.0 mmho/cm x 640 = 1920 with rounding to one significant figure equals 2,000 mg/L TDS.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109012
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, a total of one of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) and one of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009) used to interpret the water quality objectives for the aquatic life beneficial uses.

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.

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. A total of one of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat and one of 32 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for warm freshwater habitat and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board 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 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13399
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52458
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52471
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13398
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 182239
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 182303
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 182240
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109012, Turbidity
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 182219
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109013
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (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.

A total of eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed 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. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156359
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for zinc for irrigation supply as 2.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156659
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156876
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156890
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156358
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156879
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for zinc for irrigation supply as 2.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156889
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109013, Zinc
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 156765
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109007
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Twenty-four lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of the 32 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. Zero of the 32 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat and Agriculture Supply.

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. Four of the 32 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 0 of the 32 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat and Agriculture Supply and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board 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 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179395
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 178529
 
Pollutant: pH
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 178504
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 178880
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179382
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179593
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52441
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Region Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11855
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52470
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11870
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52486
 
Pollutant: pH
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11871
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52430
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11873
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11874
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52457
 
Pollutant: pH
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52428
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 11872
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179428
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179651
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 178602
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 178845
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179218
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109007, pH
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 179582
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
109002
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (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.

A total of 10 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, four of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed 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. A total of zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use, four of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use, zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use and zero of 11 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162488
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162228
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Copper criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 1.300 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162729
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for copper for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162748
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162747
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162813
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162495
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162049
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Copper criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 1.300 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162596
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for copper for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TOR)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-04-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 109002, Copper
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 162451
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Santa Lucia Rotation data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (310TCC)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-12 and 2015-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
72591
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 21 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulation risk and aquatic life beneficial uses. 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 supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

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 21 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 72591, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52443
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: Water quality standards table
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72591, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 52454
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Santa Lucia Watershed Rotation field data 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: Water quality standards table
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/14/2009-11/12/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72591, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13377
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72591, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Toro Creek
 
LOE ID: 13378
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Santa Lucia (SantaLucia) data for Toro Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Toro Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 310TOR-Toro Creek u/s Highway 1]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/16/2002-3/4/2003. Santa Lucia Coast is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):