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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 6 - Lahontan Region

Water Body Name: Holcomb Creek
Water Body ID: CAR6282000020000215160943
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
77606
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, two that assess for COLD based on the site specific objective for Deep Creek below the lake and one that assesses for MUN. Holcomb Creek is a tributary to Deep Creek Eleven of eleven samples exceed the COLD site specific objective and zero of thirteen samples exceed the MUN guideline.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Eleven of eleven samples exceed the COLD site specific objective and zero of thirteen samples exceed the MUN guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77606, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5364
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly TDS samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total dissolved solids concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 70 to 190 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for total dissolved solids (TDS) is 500 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77606, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5365
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly TDS samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total dissolved solids concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 70 to 190 mg/L. The annual average objective was exceeded in 5 out of 5 years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site-specific objective is that for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21. It includes an annual average TDS of 83 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 123 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77606, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 133449
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for total dissolved solids. Annual averages ranged from 158 - 199 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan objective for Deep Creek (below Lake) (table 3-21) for total dissolved solids is 83 mg/L annual average. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: " additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the "tributary rule", which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Rd. at monitoring site: 628HOL00)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02. 1 -4 samples were collected per year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
71005
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

Three lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC) is equivalent to alkalinity, and the USEPA "Gold Book" criterion for alkalinity states that it should be greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower. 0 of 17 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 17 samples exceed the objective. The minimum sample number requirements of Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy are not met.
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 71005, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98604
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial 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: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Alkalinity as CaCO3 for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is not less than 20000 ug/L. (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2016)
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 71005, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98200
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for Alkalinity as CaCO3 for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is not less than 20000 ug/L. (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria 2016)
Objective/Criterion Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 71005, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8264
 
Pollutant: Acid Neutralizing Capacity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Two samples collected in March and June 2003 were analyzed for ANC. The results were ANC values of 7.9 and 7.6 mg/L CaCO3.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: There are no California or federal standards or criteria for acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) per se. However, ANC is equivalent to alkalinity, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Gold Book" recommends alkalinity greater than 20 mg/L CaCO3 unless natural alkalinity is lower.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in March and June 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
103461
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two lines of evidence, one evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data and one evaluating habitat assessment data, are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. 0 of 1 benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. 0 of 1 habitat assessment samples exceed the Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) impairment threshold. Both lines of evidence achieve the CSCI and IPI thresholds indicating that the waterbody is likely unimpaired for Benthic Community Effects and therefore no other pollutant LOEs need be associated with this decision at this time.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this waterbody segment on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 1 benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is not exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the COLD beneficial use. Additionally, 0 of 1 habit assessment samples had IPI scores below 0.83. The available information indicates that the waterbody/pollutant combination should not be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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 103461, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 96428
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had a CSCI score of 0.987863702. Therefore, this site is not exceeding the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following station: 628CE0088
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 4/14/2015
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
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 103461, Benthic Community Effects
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 132726
 
Pollutant: Habitat Assessment (Streams)
LOE Subgroup: Ancillary Line of Evidence
Matrix: -N/A
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The site had an IPI score of 0.96 and this score indicates that the habitat is likely intact at this site.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan (RCMP).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Physical characteristics of a site vary due to both natural factors and human disturbance. Statistical models based on a large statewide reference data set can help distinguish natural variability from anthropogenic stress. These models work across the diverse stream types found in California. The Index of Physical Habitat Integrity (IPI) is a multimetric Index developed based on these models to characterize physical habitat condition for streams in California. Index scores near 1 indicate physical habitat conditions similar to reference, whereas lower scores indicate degradation. For the purposes of making statewide assessments, three thresholds (analogous to those used for the CSCI) were established based on the 30th; 10th; and 1st percentiles of IPI scores at reference sites. These three thresholds divide the IPI scoring range into 4 categories of physical condition as follows: greater than or equal to 0.94 = likely intact condition; 0.93 to 0.84 = possibly altered condition; 0.83 to 0.71 = likely altered condition; less than or equal to 0.70 = very likely altered condition. Scores of 0.83 or lower indicate that the physical habitat has been altered and low CSCI scores from this site may be due to impacts to the physical habitat.
Guideline Reference: An Index to Measure the Quality of Physical Habitat in California Wadeable Streams
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected at the following station: 628CE0088
Temporal Representation: Samples Collected on 4/14/2015
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for SWAMP Reference Condition Management Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70880
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, two of which assess the same dataset for MUN and COLD. Zero of ten samples exceed the site specific objective for COLD and zero of nine samples exceed the MUN guideline for boron.

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 ten samples exceed the site specific objective for COLD and zero of nine samples exceed the MUN guideline for boron 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 70880, Boron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8079
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Of 9 boron samples, 3 were estimated values. Boron concentrations in the remaining 6 samples ranged from 8.5 to 41 ug/L. The criterion was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California State Notification Level criterion for boron is 1000 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Drinking Water Notification and Response Levels: An Overview
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine samples were collected. One sample was collected in 2001, no samples were collected in 2002, and 2 to 3 samples per year were collected quarterly between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70880, Boron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5344
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program. Of 9 boron samples, 3 were estimated values. Boron concentrations in the remaining 6 samples ranged from 8.5 to 41 ug/L. The annual average objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21, applies. It includes an annual average of 0.05 mg/L (or 50 ug/L), and a 90th percentile value of 0.07 mg/L (or 70 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine samples were collected. One sample was collected in 2001, no samples were collected in 2002, and 2 to 3 samples per year were collected quarterly between 2003 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70880, Boron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 96914
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Boron. Samples were collected from 2010-2015. Generally, 1 to 3 samples were collected per year.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data:
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan objective for Deep Creek (below Lake) (table 3-21) for boron is 0.05 mg/L annual average . This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: " additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the "tributary rule", which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 11/9/2010 to 11/2/2015, once to three times a year. 15 total samples were collected.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70251
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, two of which assess the same dataset for MUN and COLD. Zero of eleven samples exceed the site specific objective for COLD and zero of thirteen samples exceed the guideline for MUN for chloride.

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 eleven samples exceed the site specific objective for COLD and zero of thirteen samples exceed the guideline for MUN for chloride 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 70251, Chloride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5233
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Chloride concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 1.12 to 5.21 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for chloride (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 9.1 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 16.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70251, Chloride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 96915
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Chloride. Results ranged from 2.15-4.27 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan objective for Deep Creek (below Lake) (table 3-21) chloride is 9.1 mg/L annual average. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: " additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the "tributary rule", which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02. Generally, 1-3 samples were collected per year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
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 70251, Chloride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5351
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Chloride concentrations in 13 samples ranged from 1.12 to 5.21 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for chloride is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
103528
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Iron
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant that are both based on the same single sample assessed for MUN and COLD. Zero of one samples exceed the AGR guideline and zero of one samples exceed the MUN guideline .

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List 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 one samples exceed the AGR guideline and zero of one samples exceed the MUN guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103528, Iron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98562
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Iron.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region?s Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states that waters designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL). This is based upon drinking water standards specified in the following provisions of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations which are incorporated by reference into the Water Quality Control Plan: Table 64431-A of Section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals), Table 64431-B of Section 64431 (Fluoride), Table 64444-A of Section 64444 (Organic Chemicals), Table 64449-A of Section 64449 (Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels-Ranges). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64449-A for Iron is 0.3 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2010-11-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 103528, Iron
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98519
 
Pollutant: Iron
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 RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Iron.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
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, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Red Book states that based on field observations principally, a criterion of 1.0 mg/L iron for freshwater aquatic life is believed to be adequately protective.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water. USEPA Office of Water and Hazardous Materials. Washington, D.C
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2010-11-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70906
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 27 samples exceed the guideline for nitrate/nitrite as N.

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 27 samples exceeded the guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70906, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98249
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2010-11-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 70906, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97224
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-04-04 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 70906, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98250
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region is 10.0 mg/L (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-22 and 2011-11-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 70906, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8266
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples, 5 were below the detection level, two were estimated values, and 6 had nitrite plus nitrite concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.003 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrite plus nitrate is 10 mg/L, expressed "as nitrogen."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71393
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

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

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

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of 5 annual average datapoints exceeded the site-secific 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 71393, Nitrogen
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8268
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Total nitrogen was calculated from total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite. Six of 13 calculated total nitrogen concentrations were estimated values, due to estimated values or below detection level values in the components. Concentrations in the remaining sample ranged from 0.081 to 0.251 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for total nitrogen (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 0.3 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.7 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples each (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected for total Kjeldahl nitrogen and nitrate plus nitrite between 2001 and 2005. Thirteen calculations of total nitrogen concentrations were done.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
76467
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 14 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 14 samples exceeded the objective and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples are needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76467, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97191
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Basin, Objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply uses of inland surface waters states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Table 64431-A of section 64431 (Inorganic Chemicals). The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 64431-A for Nitrite as N is 1.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-04-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 76467, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8265
 
Pollutant: Nitrite as Nitrite NO2
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples, 6 were below the detection level, one was an estimate, and 6 had nitrite concentrations of 0.001 mg/L. The MCL was not exceeded.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for nitrite is 1 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
103683
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: 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 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant that is based on a single sample. Zero of one samples exceed the criteria for total ammonia as N.

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 one samples exceeded the criteria and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 103683, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97168
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
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 RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
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(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-04-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
69826
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

Four lines of evidence, one evaluating dissolved oxygen saturation data and three evaluating dissolved oxygen data are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 5 of 42 dissolved oxygen samples exceed the water quality objective; 0 of 3 dissolved oxygen saturation samples exceed the water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 5 of 42 dissolved oxygen samples exceeded 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69826, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5818
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
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: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey took three quarterly measurements of dissolved oxygen saturation in Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between November 2004 and July 2005. Percent saturation ranged from 100 to 106 percent. The objective was not violated. However, sampling frequency was insufficient to define background levels or detect change.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's water quality objective states that percent saturation shall not be depressed by more than 10 percent and minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Three quarterly measurements of percent saturation were taken between November 2004 and July 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69826, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5817
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek quarterly under the Region 6 SWAMP program between July 2001 and July 2005. Twelve dissolved oxygen measurements ranged from 5.1 to 11.1 mg/L. The 1-day minimum objective was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The water quality objective from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-6 for waters designated for the COLD beneficial use but not the SPWN use is a 1-day minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 4 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Twelve samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69826, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 130126
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region's water quality objective states that the dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than 80 percent of saturation.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 69826, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 130106
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: For waters with the beneficial uses of COLD, COLD with SPWN, WARM, and WARM with SPWN, the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be less than that specified in Table 3-6. (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
103685
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant that are based on two datasets assessed for MUN and AGR. Zero of fifteen samples exceed the AGR guideline and two of fifteen samples exceed the MUN guideline for sodium.

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 fifteen samples exceed the AGR guideline and two of fifteen samples exceed the MUN 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103685, Sodium
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97177
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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 RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (USEPA 2012), the health advisory for sodium for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet is 20 mg/l.
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-04-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 103685, Sodium
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97176
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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 RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the sodium threshold of 69 mg/L, agricultural uses of water should not be limited.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-19 and 2011-04-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 103685, Sodium
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97130
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Water Quality for Agriculture, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1985, contains criteria protective of various agricultural uses of water, including irrigation of various types of crops and stock watering. At or below the sodium threshold of 69 mg/L, agricultural uses of water should not be limited.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality for Agriculture, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations - Irrigation and Drainage Paper No. 29, Rev 1, Rome (1985)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 103685, Sodium
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98196
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sodium.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Per the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (USEPA 2012), the health advisory for sodium for individuals on a sodium-restricted diet is 20 mg/l.
Guideline Reference: 2012 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
70269
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
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. Zero of the 17 samples exceed the guideline for specific conductivity.

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 17 samples exceeded the guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70269, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 98488
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality standard for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (Water Quality Control Plan, Lahontan Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The California Secondary MCL for specific conductivity is 900 uS/cm."
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 70269, Specific Conductivity
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5360
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductance
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey measured specific conductance under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Twelve laboratory measurements of specific conductance ranged from 61 to 305 uS/cm. Five field measurements ranged from 94 to 309 uS/cm. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for specific conductance is 900 microsiemens per centimeter (uS/cm).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Twleve laboratory measurements of specific conductance were taken on quarterly samples collected between 2001 and 2005. Five additional field measurements were taken between 2001 and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
103684
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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. Zero of 16 samples exceed the guideline for turbidity.

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 16 samples exceeded the 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103684, Turbidity
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97461
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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 Water Quality Monitoring Program data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the Water Quality Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The Lahontan Basin Plan also has regionwide turbidity objective for other beneficial uses that states: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10%.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient surface waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The Secondary MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU. Calculation of a numeric objective for other beneficial uses requires comparison with upstream or other background data which may not be available as part of the data used for water quality assessment. "
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (HLCCR1)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-27 and 2015-02-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required for federal data
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 103684, Turbidity
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 97202
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water designated as MUN shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum contaminant level (MCL) or secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) based upon drinking water standards specified in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. The Lahontan Basin Plan also has regionwide turbidity objective for other beneficial uses that states: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses. Increases in turbidity shall not exceed natural levels by more than 10%.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient surface waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's \Chemical Constituents\" objective. The Secondary MCL for turbidity is 5 NTU. Calculation of a numeric objective for other beneficial uses requires comparison with upstream or other background data which may not be available as part of the data used for water quality assessment. "
Guideline Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
71066
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, three that assess for COLD and two for MUN. The Basin Plan pH objective requires background data that is unavailable, consequently the pH data cannot be assessed. All the lines of evidence show zero of zero samples exceed the objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. [NUMBER] of [NUMBER] samples exceeded the [OBJECTIVE/GUIDELINE/CRITERIA] 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 71066, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 129705
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the Water Quality Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (HLCCR1)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-27 and 2015-02-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required for federal data
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71066, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 129652
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
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 71066, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5359
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey measured pH under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. In 13 measurements, pH values ranged from 7.4 to 8.3 units.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's pH objective states: "In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units.

The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis."
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly pH measurements (1 to 3 per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71066, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 129793
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the Water Quality Monitoring Program.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (HLCCR1)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-02-27 and 2015-02-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required for federal data
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71066, pH
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 129544
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality standard for pH. Although pH data does exist for this waterbody, the objective for this pollutant requires background information that is currently unavailable, and therefore an assessment of water quality standards could not be made.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan's regionwide objective for pH states: \In fresh waters with designated beneficial uses of COLD or WARM, changes in normal ambient pH levels shall not exceed 0.5 pH units. For all other waters of the region, the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5 units. The Regional Board recognizes that some waters of the Region may have natural pH levels outside of the 6.5 to 8.5 range. Compliance with the pH objective for these waters will be determined on a case-by-case basis.\""
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
71060
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, one that assesses for MUN and two that assess COLD based on the site specific objective. Zero of ten samples exceed the MUN guideline and seven of ten samples exceed the site specific objective for fluoride.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of ten samples exceed the MUN guideline and seven of ten samples exceed the site specific objective for fluoride and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71060, Fluoride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 96916
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Fluoride. Annual average exceedances ranged from 0.472 - 1.659 mg/L.
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan objective for Deep Creek (below Lake) (table 3-21) for fluoride is 0.10 mg/L annual average. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: " additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the "tributary rule", which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02. 1 -3 samples were collected per year.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
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 71060, Fluoride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5352
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 10 fluoride samples, two were estimated values and one was below the detection level. The remaining samples ranged from 0.6 to 5.3 mg/L. No data were collected in 2002, and two of four annual averages were estimated values. The average for 2001 (based on a single sample) exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site specific objectives from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21 include an annual average of 0.1 mg/L fluoride and a 90th percentile value of 0.19 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in 2001 and none in 2002. Three samples were collected in 2003 and three in 2004. Two samples were collected in 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 71060, Fluoride
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5353
 
Pollutant: Fluoride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 10 fluoride samples, two were estimated values and one was below the detection level. The remaining samples ranged from 0.6 to 5.3 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for fluoride is 2 mg/L (2000 ug/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Two samples were collected in 2001 and none in 2002. Three samples were collected in 2003 and three in 2004. Two samples were collected in 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70267
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, one that assesses for the MUN guideline and two that assess for COLD based on the site specific objective for sulfate. Zero of thirteen samples exceed the MUN guideline and eight of eleven samples exceed the site specific objective for sulfate for Deep Creek that applies to this waterbody due to the tributary rule.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of thirteen samples exceed the MUN guideline and eight of eleven samples exceed the site specific objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70267, Sulfates
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 96917
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring data for Holcomb Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Sulfate. The annual averages ranged form 1.05 - 1.62 mg/L
Data Reference: Water Quality Assessment Data for the 2018 solicitation cycle submitted through CEDEN for the SWAMP RWB6 Monitoring (tissue and water).
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan objective for Deep Creek (below Lake) (table 3-21) for sulfate is 1.3 mg/L annual average. This objective is applied as per the tributary rule as stated in Chapter 2 of the Basin Plan: " additional beneficial uses may apply to waters with in these categories under the "tributary rule", which provides that water quality standards for specific waterbodies apply upstream to tributaries for which no site-specific standards have been adopted."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s) (628HOL001)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-11-09 and 2015-11-02. 1-3 samples were collected annually.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Program Plan and Standard Operating Procedures for SWAMP program  
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 70267, Sulfates
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5363
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly sulfate samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Sulfate concentrations in 13 samples ranged from an estimated 0.1 mg/L to 3.7 mg/L. The annual average objective was violated in 4 of 5 years.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The applicable site-specific objective is that for Deep Creek Station 5, from Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21. The objective includes an annual average of 1.3 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 4.9 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70267, Sulfates
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5362
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly sulfate samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Sulfate concentrations in 13 samples ranged from an estimated 0.1 mg/L to 3.7 mg/L. The MCL was not violated.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) apply to ambient waters under the Lahontan Basin Plan's "Chemical Constituents" objective. The MCL for sulfate is 250 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71007
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
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 was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

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

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

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the annual average datapoints exceed the site-specific water quality objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. None of four annual average samples exceeded the site-specific 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: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 71007, Phosphate
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8270
 
Pollutant: Phosphate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey collected quarterly chloride samples under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2002 and 2005. Of eleven samples for phosphate "as P," two were estimated values and three were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.002 to 0.008 mg/L. Eleven calculations were done for orthophosphate "as phosphate." These samples included two estimated and three below detection level values; the remaining samples ranged from 0.006 to 0.025 mg/L. The annual average objective was not exceeded.

Two additional samples for dissolved hydrolyzable P plus PO4 (as P) include one below detection level value and one concentration of 0.02 mg/L.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-specific objective for dissolved orthophosphate (for Station 5 in Lahontan Basin Plan Table 3-21) includes an annual average of 0.05 mg/L and a 90th percentile value of 0.13 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen samples (2 to 3 samples per year) were collected and analyzed for phosphate between 2001 and 2005. Two addtional samples collected in October 2001 and February 2002 were analyzed for dissolved hydrolyzable P plus PO4
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71003
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
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 was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

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

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

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available for assessment whether the chemical samples comply with the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy due to an error in the SWAMP QAPP regarding holding times for total phosphorus samples.

2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. No biological data are available for use with the 9 chemical samples to determine whether they exceed the water quality objective for biostimulatory substances.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 71003, Phosphorus
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8269
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2002 and 2005. Of 9 samples, one was an estimated value and two were below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.011 to 0.017 mg/L. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include a site-specific objective for total phosphorus in Holcomb Creek. The Basin Plan's narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states: "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Nine quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2002 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: .Sampling and analysis were done according to the SWAMP QAPP. However, in July 2009 an error was discovered in the QAPP related to holding times for total phosphorus samples that affects the validity of data for the Lahontan Region The holding time for samples that are not acid-preserved.should be 48 hours rather than 28 days as indicated in the QAPP. "Low level" phosphorus analyses, without acid preservation, are used in the Lahontan Region's SWAMP program. .
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70794
Region 6     
Holcomb 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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

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

The Lahontan Basin Plan's narrative temperature objective is an antidegradation-based objective that requires that there be no change in temperature in waters designated for the Cold Freshwater Habitat (COLD) beneficial use. The objective does not include specific numerical limits for protection of the COLD use. Listing Policy Section 3.10 contains directions for assessment based on trends in water quality. These directions include requirements to establish specific baseline conditions and specify the influence of seasonal and interannual effects.

One line of evidence is available to support this decision. There are not enough temperature samples to establish baseline conditions (including diel, seasonal, annual and interannual variations in temperature) or to detect declining trends in the temperature regime if such trends exist.

Because temperature samples were collected only quarterly, weekly and monthly average data are not available for comparison with guidelines in the scientific literature for the temperature requirements of sensitive aquatic species such as salmonids, as directed in Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.9.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 70794, Temperature, water
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 5367
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey measured water temperature under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Temperatures in 13 measurements ranged from 2 to 18.5 degrees Celsius. There are insufficient data available to document the natural temperature regime or to determine whether change has occurred
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The relevant language from the Lahontan Basin Plan's temperature objective is: "The natural receiving water temperature of al l waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such an alteration in temperature does not adversely affect the water for beneficial uses.

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than five degrees Fahrenheit ... above or below the natural temperature. For waters designated COLD, the temperature shall not be altered."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly measurements of water temperature (1 to 3 per year) were taken between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
71605
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
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 was considered for placement on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.

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

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

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.

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 satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. Quarterly samples do not capture the seasonal and annual variability expected in streamflows and constituent concentrations in streams of the Lahontan Region.
3. There are no biological data available for assessment whether the 13 chemical samples exceeded the water quality objective.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
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 71605, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
Region 6     
Holcomb Creek
 
LOE ID: 8267
 
Pollutant: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The U.S. Geological Survey sampled Holcomb Creek under the Region 6 SWAMP program between 2001 and 2005. Of 13 samples for TKN, three were estimated values and one was below the detection level. Concentrations in the remaining samples ranged from 0.08 to 0.25 mg/L. No biological data are available for assessment of compliance with the objective for biostimulatory substances.
Data Reference: 2007. SWAMP Data for the Mojave River Watershed
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Lahontan Basin Plan does not include a site-specific objective for Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN) in Holcomb Creek. The Basin Plan's narrative objective for biostimulatory substances states: "Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect the water for beneficial uses."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Lahontan Region (as amended)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One station, Holcomb Creek at Crab Flats Road, was sampled.
Temporal Representation: Thirteen quarterly samples (1 to 3 samples per year) were collected between 2001 and 2005.
Environmental Conditions: Holcomb Creek is a tributary of Deep Creek, the largest tributary of the Mojave River, located in San Bernardino National Forest. Its headwaters are located north of Big Bear Lake.
QAPP Information: The data meet the quality assurance requirements of the SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):