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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
Water Body ID: CAX3095004220020311115800
Water Body Type: Coastal & Bay Shoreline
 
DECISION ID
130791
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The Water Quality Control Plan for Ocean Waters (Ocean Plan) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use: a fecal coliform water quality objective and an enterococci water quality objective. This waterbody is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the enterococci objectives.

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

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

For enterococci data, Listing Policy section 3.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in section 3.2, as applicable. To use the binomial table that uses a four percent exceedance frequency, the data must be collected from coastal beaches from April 1 through October 31 only.

All samples are evaluated using the statistical threshold value (STV) water quality objective for water contact recreation (Ocean Plan). The water quality objective states that the STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month.

Although fifteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the enterococci data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. A total of zero of 50 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE 226993) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The data were collected between 2010 and 2018 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. The water contact recreation beneficial use is fully supported.

Note, fourteen line of evidence summarizes historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the AB 411 criteria, older versions of the Ocean Plan (pre-2019), or USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986. Twenty-two of 581 historic samples exceed various evaluation guidelines/water quality objectives set to protect for water contact recreation (see LOEs 14131, 55305, 348-, 3475, 3476, 3483, 3479, 3484). These data are not used for making this decision nor are they used in the final beneficial use determination.

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

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 50 samples collected since 2010 (see LOE 226993) exceed the STV 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: Although fifteen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the enterococci data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. A total of zero of 50 samples collected since 2010 exceed the STV water quality objective (see LOE 226993) and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. The data were collected between 2010 and 2018 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy. The water contact recreation beneficial use is fully supported.

Note, fourteen line of evidence summarizes historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the AB 411 criteria, older versions of the Ocean Plan (pre-2019), or USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986. Twenty-two of 581 historic samples exceed various evaluation guidelines/water quality objectives set to protect for water contact recreation (see LOEs 14131, 55305, 348-, 3475, 3476, 3483, 3479, 3484). These data are not used for making this decision nor are they used in the final beneficial use determination.

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

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 50 samples collected since 2010 (see LOE 226993) exceed the STV 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.
 
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 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3473
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted 15 advisories and closures for Del Monte Beach from 1999 to 2004 (CCRWQCB, 2004d). There were 2 closures (2002 and 2004) for sewage spills and 13 advisories & warnings for high bacteria (total, fecal, and Enterococcus), total/fecal bacteria ratio exceedances, and log mean exceedances (1999-2004). Each advisory/closure was posted for several days.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Del Monte Beach located between Monterey commercial wharf and Ocean Forest Condominiums located at Camino Aguajito and Del Monte Avenue in the city of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Postings and closures are from 1999 to 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3476
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 113
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 113 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at Del Monte Beach. Seven of 113 samples were in exceedance of the single sample criterion for Enterococcus (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: The single sample maximum criterion for Enterococcus in marine waters = 104 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Del Monte Beach located between Monterey commercial wharf and Ocean Forest Condominiums located at Camino Aguajito and Del Monte Avenue in the city of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, Del Monte Beach was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3483
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 107 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at Lovers Point Beach. Thirty-day mean concentrations of Enterococcus were calculated. Five of 77 means were in exceedance of the criteria (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: Based on the mean of the logarithms of the results of at least five weekly samples during any 30-day sampling period, the density of Enterococcus in water from any sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area, shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Lovers Point Beach located at Lovers Point Park in the City of Pacific Grove.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, Lovers Point Beach was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3481
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted 23 advisories or closures for Lovers Point Beach. It was closed 11 times for sewage spills and all others (advisories and postings) were for high bacteria (fecal and enterococcus), total/fecal bacteria ratio exceedances, and log mean exceedances (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Lovers Point Beach located at Lovers Point Park in the City of Pacific Grove.
Temporal Representation: Postings and closures are from 1999 to 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3475
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 113 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at Del Monte Beach. Thirty-day geomean concentrations of Enterococcus were calculated. Four of 77 geomeans were in exceedance of the criteria (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: Based on the mean of the logarithms of the results of at least five weekly samples during any 30-day sampling period, the density of Enterococcus in water from any sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area, shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Del Monte Beach located between Monterey commercial wharf and Ocean Forest Condominiums located at Camino Aguajito and Del Monte Avenue in the city of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, Del Monte Beach was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3482
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted Rain Advisories for all beaches in the county on 15 occasions from 2000 to 2004. Each advisory was posted for several days surrounding rain events in the county (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The rain advisories are issued for all beaches in Monterey County, including Lovers Point Beach.
Temporal Representation: Rain advisories for the beaches were issued from February 2000 through November 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3477
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted 9 advisories for San Carlos Beach from 1999 to 2004. Advisories were for high bacteria (fecal and enterococcus) and total/fecal bacteria ratio exceedances (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: San Carlos Beach located between Coast Guard Pier and Monterey Plaza Hotel in the City of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Postings and closures are from 1999 to 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3474
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted Rain Advisories for all beaches in the county on 15 occasions from 2000 to 2004(CCRWQCB, 2004d). Each advisory was posted for several days surrounding rain events in the county.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The rain advisories are issued for all beaches in Monterey County, including Del Monte Beach.
Temporal Representation: Rain advisories for the beaches were issued from February 2000 through November 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3478
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted Rain Advisories for all beaches in the county on 15 occasions from 2000 to 2004 (CCRWQCB, 2004d). Each advisory was posted for several days surrounding rain events in the county.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The rain advisories are issued for all beaches in Monterey County, including San Carlos Beach.
Temporal Representation: Rain advisories for the beaches were issued from February 2000 through November 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3480
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 112
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 112 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at San Carlos Beach. Three of 112 samples were in exceedance of the single sample criterion for Enterococcus (CDRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: The single sample maximum criterion for Enterococcus in marine waters = 104 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: San Carlos Beach located between Coast Guard Pier and Monterey Plaza Hotel in the City of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, Monterey Beach Hotel was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3479
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 75
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 107 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at San Carlos Beach(CCRWQCB, 2004d). Thirty-day geo mean concentrations of Enterococcus were calculated. One of 75 geomeans were in exceedance of the criteria.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: Based on the mean of the logarithms of the results of at least five weekly samples during any 30-day sampling period, the density of Enterococcus in water from any sampling station at a public beach or public water contact sports area, shall not exceed 35 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: San Carlos Beach located between Coast Guard Pier and Monterey Plaza Hotel in the City of Monterey.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, San Carlos Beach was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3484
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 112
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected 112 bacteria samples from 2001 through 2004 at Lovers Point Beach. Two of 112 samples were in exceedance of the single sample criterion for Enterococcus (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: The single sample maximum criterion for Enterococcus in marine waters = 104 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Lovers Point Beach located at Lovers Point Park in the City of Pacific Grove
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 4/2/2001 through 6/7/2004. As an AB411 beach, Lovers Point Beach was sampled weekly April 1 - October 31 and monthly November 1 - March 30.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 226993
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 50
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 50 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for Enterococcus. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial for all ocean waters for Enterococci is a statistical value threshold (STV) of 110 cfu/100 mL. The STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): SSB
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-01-21 and 2019-06-03 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Monterey County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Monterey County Beachwatch assessments
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 55305
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2005) single sample maximum for enterococcus density shall not exceed 104 per 100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California. California Ocean Plan 2005. Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board, California Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Municipal Waste Water Facility]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/25/2008-5/19/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch Program data that is collected by each County's Environmental Health Department. There is no QA Project Plan but instead each County follows their own Quality Assurance Procedures
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130791, Enterococcus
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 14131
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Monterey Bay to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for Enterococci in marine waters is 104 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Monterey Bay was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ NMB_CCLEAN - North Monterey Bay, SMB_CCLEAN - South Monterey Bay]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/20/2004-3/24/2006.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
130709
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 53 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.).

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 53 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.) 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 CWA section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130709, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 226992
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 53
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 53 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a Single Sample Maximum (SSM) value that is calculated daily.
Data Reference: Data file of Region 3 Beachwatch Data. Includes data from all coastal counties in Region 3 including: , Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Ocean Plan (SWRCB 2019) states that the Single Sample Maximum fecal coliform density not exceed 400 per 100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: SWRCB. 2005. Water Quality Control Plan, Ocean Waters of California (Ocean Plan). California Environmental Protection Agency, State Water Resources Control Board. February 2, 2019
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): SSB
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-01-21 and 2019-06-03 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP for 2020 Monterey County Beachwatch data.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP for Monterey County Beachwatch assessments
 
 
DECISION ID
126192
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the not exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126192, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 216675
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 MBNMS First Flush data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-CENTR-32)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-23 and 2012-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2004. Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
112221
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 1 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Marine Habitat, Cold Freshwater Habitat, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3.Zero of the 1 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Marine Habitat, Cold Freshwater Habitat, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112221, pH
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 179126
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 MBNMS First Flush data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for marine habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-CENTR-32)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-23 and 2012-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2004. Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112221, pH
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 179104
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 MBNMS First Flush data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-CENTR-32)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-23 and 2012-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2004. Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112221, pH
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 178718
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
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 MBNMS First Flush data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-CENTR-32)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-23 and 2012-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2004. Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 112221, pH
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 179483
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
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 MBNMS First Flush data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-CENTR-32)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-23 and 2012-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2004. Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monterey Bay Regional Urban Watch - First Flush Program Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
68261
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of seven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. One of seven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 68261, Arsenic
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77372
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Subgroup Missing
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Ten percent of the total arsenic result was used to estimate of the amount of inorganic arsenic in the sample; this number was screened against the guideline.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for arsenic in shellfish tissue is 0.0052 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2004)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68261, Arsenic
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3485
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Metals. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) metals data from within Monterey Harbor (SWAMP, 2004). No metals impairment exists outside of Monterey Harbor and Monterey Harbor is on the 303(d) List as a separate metals impairment listing (and will remain on the list).

Regional Board files indicate State Mussel Watch Program data from 1982 through 1993 was used as the basis for listing Monterey Bay - South for metals impairment. The available data from 1982 through 1993 were compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs) and Median International Standards (MIS). EDLs are no longer considered valid guidelines for determining attainment of water quality standards. The MIS values that were used as indicator values were derived from freshwater fish and therefore were not appropriate comparison values for mussel tissue data. MIS values also are not regulatory values or criteria in the United States. Subsequent to the 1994 listing, additional State Mussel Watch data from 1994 through 1997 has become available. All of the available data were compiled for this evaluation of Monterey Bay - South with respect to metals impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1977 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68261, Arsenic
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3486
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All six samples exceeded the Cal-OEHHA screening value (CVRWQCB, 2004M). All six samples were below the USEPA's screening value for tissue. Values screened were for total arsenic. OEHHA recommends that, when total arsenic screening values are used and there are many exceedances, inorganic analyses (via outside lab if necessary) should be requested to further evaluate the extent of the problem (Brodberg, pers. comm. 2002). USEPA has determined if study results provide only wet weight measurements of total As, then convert (via calculation) total arsenic results into inorganic estimates by assuming that inorganic As is between 4 or 10% of total As concentration. Using these assumptions, the arsenic samples do not exceed the USEPA criteria.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: USEPA screening value for inorganic arsenic. In fish tissue, the most appropriate screening value is 1.2 ppm wet weight for inorganic Arsenic. This is supported by EPA scientists and policy makers. (see excerpt from EPA Guidance for Fish Advisories, 2000 and Newport Bay Toxics TMDLs, 2002).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Pacific Grove SMW station at sampling stations 414.0.
Temporal Representation: Monitored annually since 1977. Most recent ten years of available SMW data for the Pacific Grove sampling location available, from 1988 to 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68545
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of twenty-nine tissue samples exceeded the evaluation 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 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 twenty-nine tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68545, Cadmium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3487
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Metals. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) metals data from within Monterey Harbor (SMWP, 2004). No metals impairment exists outside of Monterey Harbor and Monterey Harbor is on the 303(d) List as a separate metals impairment listing (and will remain on the list).

Regional Board files indicate State Mussel Watch Program data from 1982 through 1993 was used as the basis for listing Monterey Bay South for metals impairment. The available data from 1982 through 1993 were compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs) and Median International Standards (MIS). EDLs are no longer considered valid guidelines for determining attainment of water quality standards. The MIS values that were used as indicator values were derived from freshwater fish and therefore were not appropriate comparison values for mussel tissue data. MIS values also are not regulatory values or criteria in the United States. Subsequent to the 1994 listing, additional State Mussel Watch data from 1994 through 1997 has become available. All of the available data were compiled for this evaluation of Monterey Bay South with respect to metals impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1977 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68545, Cadmium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77374
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for cadmium in shellfish tissue is 3.3 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68545, Cadmium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3488
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All 28 samples did not exceed the OEHHA screening value (SMWP, 2004). All six samples were well below the USEPA's screening value for tissue.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA Screening Guideline = 3.0 mg/kg (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were monitored at the Pacific Grove CA State Mussell Watch station.
Temporal Representation: Samples were monitored annually from 1977 to 2003. All the data was used for all the years. Each year had one sampling data point, except for years 1977 and 1978, which had two sampling points.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by CA State Mussel Watch program following their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83070
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83070, Chlordane
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3493
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Pesticides. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) pesticides data that was compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs - which are now considered inappropriate comparison values), (SWAMP, 2004). The pesticide data from 1988 to present does not exceed current applicable guidance values and, in fact, the only station sampled since 1988 is the station that is used by the SMW program as a reference site for the central coast (presumed to be relatively unimpaired). No pesticide impairment exists outside of Moss Landing Harbor and Moss Landing Harbor will remain on the List as a separate pesticide impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1982 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83070, Chlordane
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3494
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of ten samples were collected; none exceed the OEHHA screening value (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from the Pacific Grove sampling station.
Temporal Representation: Data include the most recent ten years of SMW data; years 1988-1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83070, Chlordane
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77375
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Chlordane result was calculated by summing the results for chlordane isomers: cis- and trans-nonachlor, alpha- and gamma-chlordane, and oxychlordane.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total chlordane in shellfish tissue is 6.0 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83071
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83071, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77420
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for chlorpyrifos in shellfish tissue is 1,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69782
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Chromium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data are assessed. This decision has not changed from the 2010 listing cycle.

This pollutant is being considered for listing under sections 2.1 and 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. Based on section 3.5, chromium exceedences cannot be determined because there is no applicable water quality standards for this pollutant in tissue.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A guideline for total chromium in tissue is not available that complies with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69782, Chromium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3490
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the Cal-OEHHA screening value (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: Screening values were based on MIS (Median International Standard. MIS values are no longer considered valid guidelines for determining attainment of water quality standards. The MIS values that were used as indicator values were derived from freshwater fish and therefore were not appropriate comparison values for mussel tissue data. MIS values are no longer considered valid; currently an acceptable criteria for chromium in tissue does not exist.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Pacific Grove SMW station.
Temporal Representation: Monitored annually since 1977. Most recent ten years of available SMW data for the Pacific Grove sampling location available.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69782, Chromium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3489
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Metals. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) metals data from within Monterey Harbor (SWAMP, 2004). No metals impairment exists outside of Monterey Harbor and Monterey Harbor is on the 303(d) List as a separate metals impairment listing (and will remain on the list).

Regional Board files indicate State Mussel Watch Program data from 1982 through 1993 was used as the basis for listing Monterey Bay South for metals impairment. The available data from 1982 through 1993 were compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs) and Median International Standards (MIS). EDLs are no longer considered valid guidelines for determining attainment of water quality standards. The MIS values that were used as indicator values were derived from freshwater fish and therefore were not appropriate comparison values for mussel tissue data. MIS values also are not regulatory values or criteria in the United States. Subsequent to the 1994 listing, additional State Mussel Watch data from 1994 through 1997 has become available. All of the available data were compiled for this evaluation of Monterey Bay South with respect to metals impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1977 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69849
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 69849, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3496
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of ten samples were collected; none exceeded the OEHHA screening value (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from the Pacific Grove sampling station.
Temporal Representation: Data include the most recent ten years of SMW data; years 1988-1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69849, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77426
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for total DDT in shellfish tissue is 23 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69849, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3495
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Pesticides. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) pesticides data that was compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs - which are now considered inappropriate comparison values), (SWAMP, 2004). The pesticide data from 1988 to present does not exceed current applicable guidance values and, in fact, the only station sampled since 1988 is the station that is used by the SMW program as a reference site for the central coast (presumed to be relatively unimpaired). No pesticide impairment exists outside of Moss Landing Harbor and Moss Landing Harbor will remain on the List as a separate pesticide impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1982 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68967
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. One out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. One out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 68967, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77427
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for dieldrin in shellfish tissue is 0.49 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68967, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3497
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Pesticides. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) pesticides data that was compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs - which are now considered inappropriate comparison values), (SWAMP, 2004). The pesticide data from 1988 to present does not exceed current applicable guidance values and, in fact, the only station sampled since 1988 is the station that is used by the SMW program as a reference site for the central coast (presumed to be relatively unimpaired). No pesticide impairment exists outside of Moss Landing Harbor and Moss Landing Harbor will remain on the List as a separate pesticide impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1982 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68967, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3498
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of ten samples were collected; none exceeded the OEHHA screening value (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from the Pacific Grove sampling station.
Temporal Representation: Data include the most recent ten years of SMW data; years 1988-1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69787
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 69787, Endosulfan
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3499
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay South (shoreline) for Pesticides. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) pesticides data that was compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs which are now considered inappropriate comparison values), (SMWP, 2004). The pesticide data from 1988 to present does not exceed current applicable guidance values and, in fact, the only station sampled since 1988 is the station that is used by the SMW program as a reference site for the central coast (presumed to be relatively unimpaired). No pesticide impairment exists outside of Moss Landing Harbor and Moss Landing Harbor will remain on the List as a separate pesticide impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1982 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69787, Endosulfan
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77428
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Total Endosulfan result was calculated by summing Endosulfan I and Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endosulfan (l and ll) in shellfish tissue is 20,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69787, Endosulfan
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3500
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of ten samples were collected; none exceeded the OEHHA screening value and six were non-detects (SMWP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from the Pacific Grove sampling station.
Temporal Representation: Data include the most recent ten years of SMW data; years 1988-1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83072
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Endrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83072, Endrin
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77430
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for endrin in shellfish tissue is 1,000 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83123
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83123, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77434
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for heptachlor epoxide in shellfish tissue is 1.4 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1999)
Guideline Reference: Public Health Goal for Heptachlor and Heptachlor Epoxide in Drinking Water
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83124
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83124, Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77437
 
Pollutant: Hexachlorobenzene/ HCB
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for hexachlorobenzene in shellfish tissue is 4.3 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Air Toxics Hotspots Program Risk Assessment Guidelines. Part ll Technical Support Document for Describing Available Cancer Potency Values.
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68826
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero out of eleven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 68826, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3502
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A total of ten samples were collected; none exceeded the OEHHA screening value and eight were non-detects (SMWP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected from the Pacific Grove sampling station.
Temporal Representation: Data include the most recent ten years of SMW data; years 1988-1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68826, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77432
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for lindane in shellfish tissue is 7.1 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 2005)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68826, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3501
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay - South (shoreline) for Pesticides. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) pesticides data that was compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs - which are now considered inappropriate comparison values), (SMWP, 2004). The pesticide data from 1988 to present does not exceed current applicable guidance values and, in fact, the only station sampled since 1988 is the station that is used by the SMW program as a reference site for the central coast (presumed to be relatively unimpaired). No pesticide impairment exists outside of Moss Landing Harbor and Moss Landing Harbor will remain on the List as a separate pesticide impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1982 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83125
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83125, Mercury
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77438
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA 304(a) recommended water quality criterion for concentrations of methylmercury in shellfish tissue (wet weight) is 0.2 ppm. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; USEPA, 2001)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criterion for the Protection of Human Health: Methylmercury. Final. United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Science and Technology Office of Water. EPA-823-R-01-001. January 2001
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
76534
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Mirex
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of zero tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero of zero tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 76534, Mirex
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77440
 
Pollutant: Mirex
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The non detect result was not included in the assessment since the reporting limit was above the evaluation guideline. MDL were provided by NOAA Federal and RL were calculated by multiplying 3.18 by the MDL.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for mirex in shellfish tissue is 0.43 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; OEHHA, 1992)
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Expedited Cancer Potency Values and Proposed Regulatory Levels for Certain Proposition 65 Carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83179
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83179, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77444
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. The total PAHs were calculated as the potency equivalency concentration or the sum of the toxic equivalency factors multiplied by the concentrations of: Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Anthracene, Benz[a]anthracene, Benzo[a]pyrene, Benzo[b]fluoranthene, Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, Benzo[k]fluoranthene, Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, Chrysene, Fluoranthene, Fluorene, Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene, Phenanthrene, and Pyrene.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in shellfish tissue is 1.1 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008; USEPA, 2000)
Guideline Reference: Guidance for Assessing Chemical Contaminant Data for Use In Fish Advisories Volume 1: Fish Sampling and Analysis
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83180
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. The single tissue sample exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. The single tissue sample exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83180, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77446
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal. Total PCB was assessed for as follows: PCB aroclors and congeners were summed separately and the sum that yielded the highest value was used for the assessment.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for polychlorinated biphenyls in shellfish tissue is 3.9 ppb. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day for a 30 year exposure over a 70-year lifetime. This constituent is a carcinogen therefore the risk level is set to one in a million. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
83232
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5, 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. Zero out of seven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:

1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.

2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.

3. Zero out of seven tissue samples exceeded the evaluation guideline. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board 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 83232, Selenium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3492
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the Cal-OEHHA or USEPA screening value (CVRWQCB, 2004M).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA and USEPA screening values for fish consumption.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Pacific Grove SMW station.
Temporal Representation: Monitored annually since 1977. Most recent ten years of available SMW data for the Pacific Grove sampling location available.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83232, Selenium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 77447
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Shellfish
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Shellfish surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Mussel Watch Project data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: The single result did not exceed the guideline. Data were reported on a dry weight basis and were converted to a wet weight basis by multiplying the dry-weight concentration by a factor of 1 minus the percentage of moisture content expressed as a decimal.
Data Reference: State Mussel Watch Program Data 1977-2000; Winter 2007-Winter 2009. State Water Resources Control Board
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California's Ocean Plan states that, ¿The concentration of organic materials in fish, shellfish or other marine resources used for human consumption shall not bioaccumulate to levels that are harmful to human health".
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The modified OEHHA Fish Contaminant Goal for selenium in shellfish tissue is 11 ppm. This screening level assumes an average body weight of 70 kg and a consumption rate of 21 g/day. A background dietary consumption rate of 0.114 mg/day is applied for this micronutrient. (Brodberg, R.K., and G.A. Pollock, 1999; Klasing, S., and R. Brodberg, 2008)
Guideline Reference: Development of Fish Contaminant Goals and Advisory Tissue Levels for Common Contaminants in California Sport Fish: Chlordane, DDTs, Dieldrin, Methylmercury, PCBs, Selenium, and Toxaphene
Guideline Reference: Prevalence of Selected Target Chemical Contaminants in Sport Fish From Two California Lakes: Public health designed screening study. Sacramento, CA: Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: Samples are collected by hand from three sub-locations for each site. The composite sample was collected from site Pacific Grove Lovers Point, PGLP.
Temporal Representation: Representative samples of locally abundant species were collected during the winter on 2/23/2009
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: "Samples were collected as part of the State Water Board's Mussel Watch Program which is a part of the National Oceanic Administration's (NOAAs) National Status and Trends (NS&T). Mussels are shipped to NOAAs contract labs for analysis of trace constituents and mussel condition. Analytical protocols follow those approved by NOAAs NS&T Program Additional background information can be found at:
http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/stressors/pollution/nsandt/"
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 83232, Selenium
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3491
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Testimonial Evidence
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There is a proposal to Delist Monterey Bay South (shoreline) for Metals. The existing 1994 listing is based on State Mussel Watch (SMW) metals data from within Monterey Harbor (SMWP, 2004). No metals impairment exists outside of Monterey Harbor and Monterey Harbor is on the 303(d) List as a separate metals impairment listing (and will remain on the list).

Regional Board files indicate State Mussel Watch Program data from 1982 through 1993 was used as the basis for listing Monterey Bay - South for metals impairment. The available data from 1982 through 1993 were compared to Elevated Data Levels (EDLs) and Median International Standards (MIS). EDLs are no longer considered valid guidelines for determining attainment of water quality standards. The MIS values that were used as indicator values were derived from freshwater fish and therefore were not appropriate comparison values for mussel tissue data. MIS values also are not regulatory values or criteria in the United States. Subsequent to the 1994 listing, additional State Mussel Watch data from 1994 through 1997 has become available. All of the available data were compiled for this evaluation of Monterey Bay - South with respect to metals impairment.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Request to delist - Delisting report refers to OEHHA and USEPA tissue guidance values.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Monterey Bay - South coastline: 3309.5004, at Pacific Grove SMW station (SMW #414.0).
Temporal Representation: Submittal on 6/14/2004. State Mussel Watch data from 1977 through 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data collected by State Mussel Watch program follows their QA.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87238
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Several LOEs have been disassociated with this decision (3450, 3451, 3452, 3453, 3454 = Monterey Beach Hotel; 3455, 3456, 3457, 3458, 3459 = Del Monte Beach; 3460, 3461, 3462, 3463, 3464 = San Carlos Beach; 3465, 3466, 3467, 3468, 3469 = Lovers Point) and should be associated with their appropriate water body (specific beach) segments.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of 31 samples exceed the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.). Of these total sample counts, 4 of 14 samples exceeded the 30-day median concentration standard (70/100 ml) for total coliform (LOEs 3471), and 0 of 14 samples exceeded the single sample maximum criteria (10,000 MPN/100 ml) for total coliform (LOEs 3472). Zero of 15 samples (LOEs 14008 and 55310) exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective (Water Quality Control Plan: Ocean Waters of California, SWRCB, 2009). LOE 3470 summarizes posted Rain Advisories for all beaches in the county on 15 occasions from 2000 to 2004.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of 31 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline set to protect for water contact recreation (i.e. swimming, wading etc.), and 0 of 15 samples exceeded the shellfish harvesting water quality objective. Neither of these 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 87238, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3471
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collects monthly bacteria samples at Seaside State Beach. Although because samples are monthly there is only 1 sample in each 30-day period, there is no limit as to how many samples must be included in the 30-day median total coliform concentration. A ten percent total coliform concentration could not be calculated either, so this criterion was used as a single (monthly) sample comparison as well. Four of 14 samples exceeded the criteria of 70/100 ml and 2 of 14 samples exceeded the criteria of 230/100 ml (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Central Coast RWQCB Basin Plan: At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, the median total coliform concentration throughout the water column for any 30-day period shall not exceed 70/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 230/100 ml for a five-tube decimal dilution test or 330/100 ml when a three-tube decimal dilution test is used.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Seaside State Beach located west of Seaside City Industrial Wastewater Treatment plant, City of Seaside.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from 2/4/2003 through 6/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87238, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3472
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County collected monthly samples at Seaside State Beach in 2003 and 2004. None of the 14 single samples were in exceedance of the criterion (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: AB411: The single sample maximum criterion for total coliform in marine waters = 10,000 MPN/100 ml.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Seaside State Beach located west of Seaside City Industrial Wastewater Treatment plant, City of Seaside.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from 2/4/2003 through 6/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87238, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 55310
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Beach Watch data for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Data for Region 3 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Ocean Plan (2009) states the following: At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, the following bacterial objectives shall be maintained throughout the water column: Ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period shall not exceed 230 MPN/100mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Ocean Plan Water Quality Control Plan Ocean Waters of California 2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Monterey Bay South (Coastline) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Municipal Waste Water Facility]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/25/2008-5/19/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87238, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 14008
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Shellfish Harvesting
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Monterey Bay to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Shellfish Harvesting objective (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries (page III-12)) states the following: At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, the median total coliform concentration throughout the water column for any 30-day period shall not exceed 70 MPN/100mL, not shall more than ten percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 230 MPN/100mL for a five tube decimal dilution test.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Monterey Bay was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ NMB_CCLEAN - North Monterey Bay, SMB_CCLEAN - South Monterey Bay]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/20/2004-3/24/2006.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87238, Total Coliform
Region 3     
Monterey Bay South (Coastline)
 
LOE ID: 3470
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Monterey County posted Rain Advisories for all beaches in the county on 15 occasions from 2000 to 2004. Each advisory was posted for several days surrounding rain events in the county (CCRWQCB, 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Assembly Bill 411:
Weekly monitoring is required from April to October at all beaches with more than 50,000 annual visitors or at beaches located in areas adjacent to storm drains that flow during the summer. Some counties continue testing year round. Weekly samples must be tested for three indicator organisms: total coliform, fecal coliform, and enterococcus. Beaches that fail to meet the state's criteria for any one of the three indicators are to be posted with conspicuous warning signs to notify the public of health risks associated with swimming in these areas. Closings and advisories are issued on a discretionary basis. AB 411 requires the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to post monthly beach data from coastal counties throughout the state. The surveys list beach warnings, beach closures, and rain advisories resulting from bacterial contamination.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The rain advisories are issued for all beaches in Monterey County, including Seaside State Beach.
Temporal Representation: Rain advisories for the beaches were issued from February 2000 through November 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s):