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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
Water Body ID: CAR3052004120110825145410
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
99981
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulation risk and aquatic life beneficial uses. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99981, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 49053
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: Water quality standards table
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99981, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 49066
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: Water quality standards table
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
85295
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the water quality objectives for Cold or Warm Freshwater Habitats. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

Additionally, the Basin Plan general water quality objective for oxygen saturation states that the median value shall not fall below 85% saturation. However, the oxygen saturation objective is only applied ¿for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use¿¿ and this water body is designated for both Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitats. Therefore, the use support rating for oxygen saturation is set at 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. The single sample did not exceed the water quality objectives and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85295, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 49067
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85295, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 49068
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
86904
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle, 1976) used to interpret the water quality objective for water temperature. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86904, Temperature, water
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48927
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 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: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
91730
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once. One sample is defined as being collected on the same day and time at the same location.

Two LOEs summarize sediment samples. The single sediment sample resulted in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms and therefore exceeds the water quality objective for aquatic life protection.

Two LOEs summarize water samples. One of the three water samples resulted in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms and therefore exceeds the water quality objective for aquatic life protection.

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 and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. 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 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 sediment sample did not exceed the water quality objective for aquatic life. One of the three water samples did result in a significant toxic effect to one or more test organisms. However, these do not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. 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 91730, Toxicity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 57907
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella Azteca growth.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 305ACR San Juan Creek.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91730, Toxicity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 80338
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. One of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests for the samples included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia. The sample exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia reproduction and survival on 9/30/08.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant effect is defined here using a two-tier approach consistent with the method used by the SWAMP program. The effect must be significant when compared to the control sample based on statistical test alpha level of 0.05 (Probability field in data set) AND the mean must be more than 20 percent different from the control (PercentControl field in data set).
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305ACR West branch San Juan Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. A QAPP was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91730, Toxicity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 57906
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. One of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests for the samples included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia. The sample exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia reproduction and survival on 9/30/08.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant effect is defined here using a two-tier approach consistent with the method used by the SWAMP program. The effect must be significant when compared to the control sample based on statistical test alpha level of 0.05 (Probability field in data set) AND the mean must be more than 20 percent different from the control (PercentControl field in data set).
Guideline Reference: Major and Trace Element Analytical Methods of the National Status and Trends Program: 2000-2006.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305ACR West branch San Juan Creek.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. A QAPP was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 91730, Toxicity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 80339
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella Azteca growth.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fifth Edition. EPA-821-R-02-012
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 305ACR San Juan Creek.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
85972
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guidelines for Cold Freshwater Habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) and Warm Freshwater Habitat evaluation guideline (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009), both used to interpret the water quality objective for turbidity. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85972, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48926
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85972, Turbidity
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48791
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
86903
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sample did not exceed the water quality objectives. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of five exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.2. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the water quality objectives and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86903, pH
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48789
 
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86903, pH
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48790
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86903, pH
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48788
 
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86903, pH
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48786
 
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: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 86903, pH
Region 3     
San Juan Creek, West Branch (San Benito County)
 
LOE ID: 48787
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for San Juan Creek West Branch (San Benito County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305ACR - San Juan Creek]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/1/2008.
Environmental Conditions: Central Coast Water Board Staff are not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6