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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 9 - San Diego Region

Water Body Name: Lusardi Creek
Water Body ID: CAR9051200020191029035129
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
115026
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115026, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 139714
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The CCC of 20mg/L is a minimum value except where alkalinity is naturally lower, in which case the criterion cannot be lower than 25% of the natural level (USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Aquatic Life)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-26 and 2015-06-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
127863
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the forty-eight samples exceed the water quality threshold.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the forty-eight samples exceed the water quality threshold, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 127863, Ammonia
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 185054
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 48
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 48 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
115586
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 70 samples exceed the water quality threshold.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 70 samples exceeded the threshold and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115586, Ammonia (Unionized)
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 185530
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 70
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 70 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of un-ionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in inland surface waters, enclosed bays and estuaries and coastal lagoons (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
115021
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115021, Chloride
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 140757
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Chloride water quality threshold in this HSA is 250 mg/L, and this concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (Basin Plan, Table 3-2).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-22 and 2015-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115021, Chloride
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 141138
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Chloride water quality threshold in this HSA is 250 mg/L, and this concentration is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (Basin Plan, Table 3-2).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-22 and 2015-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
115022
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115022, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 144555
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with the WARM beneficial use designated (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-26 and 2015-06-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115022, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 144482
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with the WARM beneficial use designated (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-07-16 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115022, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 144486
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved oxygen levels shall not be less than 5.0 mg/l in inland surface waters with the WARM beneficial use designated (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-08-20 and 2016-12-10
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
115025
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 55 samples exceed the water quality threshold.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of 55 samples exceeded the threshold and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115025, Turbidity
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 147266
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Turbidity water quality threshold in this HSA is 20 NTU, and this level is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (Basin Plan, Table 3-2).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-26 and 2015-06-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115025, Turbidity
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 147641
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 54
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 54 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Turbidity water quality threshold in this HSA is 20 NTU, and this level is not to be exceeded more than 10% of the time during any one year period (Basin Plan, Table 3-2).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-16 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
115023
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
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 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 line(s) of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of the 79 samples exceed the water quality threshold. 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 79 samples exceeded the water quality threshold, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115023, pH
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145329
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In inland surface waters the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115023, pH
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145172
 
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: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In inland surface waters the pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-26 and 2015-06-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
126446
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2033
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

Two line(s) of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is/are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Three of three benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. These data indicate that the waterbody is likely impaired for Benthic Community Effects.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Three of three benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. Therefore, this water body is exceeding the water quality threshold for the protection of the WARM and/or COLD beneficial use.
4. Pursuant to section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, the water segment has associated pollutant(s) samples that exceed water quality objectives.
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 144297
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 80
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 80 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrogen, Total.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 215783
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 905M21721 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.6915 to 0.6915 .
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.  
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 905M21721
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 6/26/2015 to 6/26/2015.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under a permit required receiving waters monitoring and reporting program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Southern California Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Bioassessment, Version 1.0, and Freshwater Bioassessment from Weston Solutions.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 215782
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 905M21737 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.5847 to 0.6582 .
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index Scores for the 2020 Integrated Report
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board. Region 9 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.  
Guideline Reference: Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from station 905M21737
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 5/17/2016 to 5/17/2016.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected under a permit required receiving waters monitoring and reporting program
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Southern California Regional Watershed Monitoring Program Bioassessment, Version 1.0, and Freshwater Bioassessment from Weston Solutions.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145970
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosphorus as P.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145613
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosphorus as P.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-22 and 2015-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126446, Benthic Community Effects
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 144257
 
Pollutant: Total Nitrogen as N
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrogen, Total.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-22 and 2015-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition
 
 
DECISION ID
127889
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2033
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 is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Fifteen of the 75 samples exceed the STV threshold for E. coli.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Fifteen of the 75 samples exceed the E. coli water quality threshold for the protection of REC-1, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

The State Water Board’s Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the “ISWEBE Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for placement on or removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 or 4.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the E. coli objective.

In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. 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 water body 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 E. coli data, Listing Policy sections 3.3 and 4.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in sections 3.2 and 4.2, as applicable. To use the binomial table that uses a four percent exceedance frequency, the data must be collected from coastal beaches or inland surface waters from April 1 through October 31 only, and where collected from inland waters from April 1 through October 31 only, bacterial measurements must be indicative of human fecal matter, and there is substantial human contact in the waterbody.

No fecal coliform data are used in this assessment because the fecal coliform water quality objective was superseded and is no longer used as the basis of any 303(d) List decision for water contact recreation.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: The State Water Board’s Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the “ISWEBE Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for placement on or removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.3 or 4.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the E. coli objective.

In accordance with section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy, data should be representative of the critical timing that the pollutant is expected to impact the waterbody. 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 water body 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 E. coli data, Listing Policy sections 3.3 and 4.3 instructs to use the binomial distribution table in sections 3.2 and 4.2, as applicable. To use the binomial table that uses a four percent exceedance frequency, the data must be collected from coastal beaches or inland surface waters from April 1 through October 31 only, and where collected from inland waters from April 1 through October 31 only, bacterial measurements must be indicative of human fecal matter, and there is substantial human contact in the waterbody.

No fecal coliform data are used in this assessment because the fecal coliform water quality objective was superseded and is no longer used as the basis of any 303(d) List decision for water contact recreation.
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 127889, Indicator Bacteria
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 220616
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 75
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 15 of the 75 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): SGT-025
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
 
DECISION ID
115024
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2033
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Twenty of the 79 samples exceed the threshold.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twenty of the 79 samples exceed the threshold, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115024, Phosphorus
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145970
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 19
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed San Diego Coastkeeper Ambient Monitoring Program data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 19 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosphorus as P.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (SGT-025)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-09-11 and 2018-10-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: San Diego Coastkeeper. 2010. San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Diego Regional Water Quality Assessment and Outreach Project Quality Assurance Project Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115024, Phosphorus
Region 9     
Lusardi Creek
 
LOE ID: 145613
 
Pollutant: Phosphorus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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: Water Board staff assessed SMC Regional Watershed Monitoring data for Lusardi Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosphorus as P.
Data Reference: Field, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 9.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, by themselves or in combination with other nutrients, shall be maintained at levels below those which stimulate algae and emergent plant growth. A desired goal in order to prevent plant nuisance in streams and other flowing waters appears to be 0.1 mg/L total P. Analogous threshold values have not been set for nitrogen compounds; however, natural ratios of nitrogen to phosphorus are to be determined by surveillance and monitoring and upheld. If data are lacking, a ratio of N:P = 10:1, on a weight to weight basis shall be used (Water Quality Control Plan, San Diego Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the San Diego Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (905M21721)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-06-22 and 2015-06-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2007. Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds., Weston Solutions, Inc.. 2019. Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Regional Monitoring of Southern California's Coastal Watersheds
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bioassessment Survey of the Stormwater Monitoring Coalition