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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Watsonville Slough
Water Body ID: CAR3051003019981209150043
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
126061
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: The State Water Board’s Water Quality Control Plan for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California (the “ISWEBE Plan”) contains two bacteria water quality objectives applicable to the REC-1 beneficial use, which were adopted on August 7, 2018. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is greater than 1 part per thousand (ppt) 95 percent or more of the time, the enterococci bacteria objective applies, and the E. coli objective is not applicable.

The 95th percentile of 162 salinity samples is 2.797 ppt and therefore the E. coli water quality objective is not applicable for water contact recreation beneficial use support determination in this waterbody. Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because the E. coli bacteria water quality objective is not applicable.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List because the water quality standard is not applicable for the pollutant, based on the salinity in this waterbody segment.
 
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 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58895
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of the 15 samples exceeded theE. coli Objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Watsonville Slough @ Ohlone Pkwy Bridge. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58896
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 64
Number of Exceedances: 18
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eighteen of the 64 samples exceeded the E. coli objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the Manabe-Burgstrom Area. Site 1, Watsonville Slough at mid-point, south side of road/trail that crosses Watsonville Slough from Ford St., Site 2, Watsonville Slough about 30ft east of Ohlone Parkway and site 3, Watsonville Slough just east of Lee Rd. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every monthly from May to August 2006 before the restoration and every two months from April 2007 to June 2010 after the restoration.
Environmental Conditions: Manabe-Burgstrom Area is a restoration site. Samples were collected pre-restoration in 2006 and post restoration in 2007-2010.
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58904
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of the 32 samples exceeded the E. coli Objective of 235 MPN/100mL.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from site 2, Watsonville Slough at the tip of the peninsula about 300 ft E-NE of Nature Center. CAR3051003019981209150043
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected every two months from August 2004 to July 2005 before the restoration and every two months from October 2005 to June 2010 after the restoration.
Environmental Conditions: Upper Watsonville Slough is a restoration site. Samples were collected pre-restoration in 2004 and 2005 and post restoration in 2005-2010.
QAPP Information: No QAPP provided with data. Data quality ok. City of Watsonville receiving waters.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 150142
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 6 of the 24 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a Statistical Threshold Value (STV) of 320 cfu/100 mL. The applicable STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month, calculated in a static manner (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 305WSA
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149837
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 6 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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): 305-WATSO-23
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149735
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 4 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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): 305-WATSO-22
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2015-05-02 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149836
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 4 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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): 305-WATSO-21
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149878
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 6 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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): 305-BEACH-21
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18492
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/26/2004-11/8/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11091
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13639
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 32
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 32 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126061, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18534
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline: Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
131029
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
TMDL Name: Watsonville Slough Pathogen
TMDL Project Code: 35
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 07/19/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

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

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

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

Eight of the 93 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation.

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

In accordance with section 2.2 of the Policy, there is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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. Eight of the 93 samples exceed the water quality objective for non-contact recreation, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Watsonville Slough Pathogen TMDL has been approved by USEPA on 07/19/2007.
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 removed from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4 of the Listing Policy due to a change in water quality standards.

This water body pollutant combination should be placed in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
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 131029, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 14057
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-12/9/2003.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 131029, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11089
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 131029, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 150093
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Coliform, Fecal. The water quality threshold is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated for a 30-Day peroid.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section 3.3.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 mL, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 mL.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): 305WSA
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
130179
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Four LOEs summarize sediment samples. Seven of 17 sediment samples exceed the DDE evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. These samples are associated with toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

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. Seven of 17 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and these samples are associated with sediment toxicity. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58991
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
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: Nine samples were collected at three different stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Seven of the nine samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival were observed at 305WAB (7/2/08).
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
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 was 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. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305WAB - Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, July and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58843
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. Two of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella azteca. The toxicity tests included growth and survival of Hyalella azteca. 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 at the same location. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
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 Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected annually from April 2007 to April 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
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 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153317
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDE from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDE is 31.3 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58870
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94050
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58873
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDE. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130179, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 148806
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 4 of the 4 samples collected by RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program for Watsonville Slough exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 305WSA )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-04-22 and 2018-04-24.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107176
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Malathion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. For lines of evidence where the fraction is “not recorded” or "none" staff assumed that the fraction is “total” and the sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision.

Two of 11 samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses (Faria et al., 2010). This sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating of "not supporting".

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. Two of 11 water samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107176, Malathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 168560
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Malathion. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L more than once every three years on the average (Faria et al., 2010).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-04-26 to 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107176, Malathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94178
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for MALATHION.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107176, Malathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 168591
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Malathion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L more than once every three years on the average (Faria et al., 2010).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107193
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

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

Ten LOEs summarize water samples. Eight out of 37 samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality, decrease in cell density, decrease in growth or reproduction compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceeded the narrative general water quality objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Six LOEs summarize sediment samples. Eight out of 12 samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality, decrease in cell density, decrease in growth or reproduction compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceeded the narrative general water quality objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

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. Eight out of 37 water samples, and eight out of 12 sediment samples, were toxic to test organisms relative to the control and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149043
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 3 of the 12 samples collected by RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program for Watsonville Slough exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus, for Survival, Selenastrum capricornutum, for Total Cell Count, Thalassiosira pseudonana, for Total Cell Count, Cyprinodon variegatus, for Survival, Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Young/female, Pimephales promelas, for Survival, Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Cyprinodon variegatus, for Biomass (wt/orig indiv), Pimephales promelas, for Biomass (wt/orig indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
Guideline Reference: SWAMP_Memo_Toxicity_Data_Intrepretation
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 305WSA )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-03-28 and 2018-04-24.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24708
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24709
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58990
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Eleven samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Two of the eleven samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests for the samples included survival and reproduction of Ceriodaphnia dubia, survival and growth of Pimephales promelas and total cell count (growth) of Selenastrum capricornutum. 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 at the same location. The sample collected on 10/1/2008 exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia reproduction. The sample collected on 1/19/10 exhibited significant toxicity to Pimephales promelas growth. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
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: 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
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 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from October 2007 to March 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58992
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Two of the ten samples exhibited significant toxicity.
Three samples were tested using Hyalella azteca only, six samples were tested using Ceriodaphnia dubia only and one sample (collected on 10/14/09) was tested using two organisms, Hyalella azteca and Ceriodaphnia dubia. Statistically significant effects to Ceriodaphnia dubia were reported for the samples collected in February and October 2009. The October 2009 sample was also toxic to Hyalella azteca.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
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 was 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. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
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 samples were collected at 305WAB (AKA 305WAT) -Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input. This location has two different station codes in this data set.
Temporal Representation: The samples ere collected from January 2008 to October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149059
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 3 of the 12 samples collected by RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program for Watsonville Slough exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus, for Survival, Selenastrum capricornutum, for Total Cell Count, Thalassiosira pseudonana, for Total Cell Count, Cyprinodon variegatus, for Survival, Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Young/female, Pimephales promelas, for Survival, Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Cyprinodon variegatus, for Biomass (wt/orig indiv), Pimephales promelas, for Biomass (wt/orig indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
Guideline Reference: SWAMP_Memo_Toxicity_Data_Intrepretation
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 305WSA )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-03-28 and 2018-04-24.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 148807
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 4 of the 4 samples collected by RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program for Watsonville Slough exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 305WSA )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-04-22 and 2018-04-24.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 148806
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 4 of the 4 samples collected by RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program for Watsonville Slough exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day, at the same location with the same lab sample ID (if provided). The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca, for Survival, Hyalella azteca, for Growth (wt/surv indiv)
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Central Coastal Basin Plan 2019).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 station. Monitoring site: ( 305WSA )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-04-22 and 2018-04-24.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58991
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
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: Nine samples were collected at three different stations to evaluate sediment toxicity. Seven of the nine samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included survival and growth of Hyalella azteca. Statistically significant effects on Hyalella azteca survival were observed at 305WAB (7/2/08).
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
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 was 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. In the SWAMP data format, a Significance Effect Code of SL denotes toxic test results.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at station 305WAB - Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May, July and October 2008 and October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the Watershed-scale Evaluation of Agricultural BMP Effectiveness Protecting Critical Coastal Habitats project. A QAPP was provided and the data was analyzed at the Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory and submitted in SWAMP format.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24713
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24714
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24691
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-8/22/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24695
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58843
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three samples were collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. Two of the three samples exhibited significant toxicity to Hyalella azteca. The toxicity tests included growth and survival of Hyalella azteca. 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 at the same location. It should be noted that the samples collected in 2006, in the data file associated with this LOE, are not included in this LOE because they were included in the previous assessment cycle.
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 Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected annually from April 2007 to April 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was collected for the CCRWQCB Cooperative Monitoring Program for Agriculture data and provided in SWAMP format. QAPP for the Cooperative Monitoring program for Agriculture in Region 3.
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 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24702
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107193, Toxicity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 24701
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/19/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
107195
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of 236 of the 364 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009), used to interpret the water quality objective for turbidity.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of 236 of the 364 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 182287
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 55
Number of Exceedances: 26
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 26 of 55 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 183168
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
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 EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 182308
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48861
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 22 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13698
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 39
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 39 of 93 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Lee Rd, San Andreas Rd, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Errington Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17542
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 156
Number of Exceedances: 143
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 143 of 156 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 5 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/21/2005-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13727
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107195, Turbidity
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 12021
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/21/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
128275
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Pajaro River Watershed Nutrients
TMDL Project Code: 999
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2018
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 10/06/2016
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

The Aquatic Life beneficial uses are not supported. Since the 2010 Integrated Report assessment cycle, Central Coast Water Board staff assessed nitrate data using an evaluation guideline (Central Coast Region Technical Report, 2010) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for biostimulatory substances, set to protect Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat beneficial uses. Thirty-two of the 45 nitrate samples and 60 of the 85 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed this evaluation guideline. In addition, and in accordance with section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, the following evidence supports the conclusion that nitrate contributes to or causes a bio-stimulatory response in this waterbody.


1. Dissolved oxygen for this water body ranged from under 1.0 mg/L to over 12.0 mg/L, frequently exceeding (falling below) the Warm Freshwater Habitat objective of 5.0 mg/L. The dissolved oxygen upper screening level of 13.0 mg/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) was not exceeded but there is ample evidence of wide fluctuations in daily dissolved oxygen concentrations. This water body segment is on the CWA section 303(d) List for low dissolved oxygen.
2. The percent cover of floating algal mats ranged from 0-80% in the creek, at times exceeding the screening threshold of 50% (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010). In stream aquatic vegetation was at times more than 90% cover.
3. Water column chlorophyll a concentrations ranged from 0 to over 200 ug/L, frequently exceeding the screening threshold of 15 ug/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010). However, the evaluation guideline used in the 303(d) assessment (40 ug/L) is not being exceeded at a frequency that would result in placement of this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List for chlorophyll a.
4. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted a benthic algal contribution to oxygen deficit for this water body ranging 2.42 mg/L. This exceeds the screening threshold for benthic algal contribution to oxygen deficit of 1.25 mg/L (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010).
5. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted algae biomass concentrations ranging from 56 to 141 mg/m2. This exceeds the California¿s Nutrient Numeric Endpoint (Creager, et al., 2006) warm water threshold values of 80 grams/m2 ash-free dry weight (AFDW) for algal density.
6. Using site-specific data from this water body, the California Benthic Biomass Predictor Tool, v. 13 (Tetratech, 2007) predicted benthic chlorophyll a concentrations of 141 mg/m2. This do not exceed the California¿s Nutrient Numeric Endpoint (Creager, et al., 2006) warm water threshold values of 200 mg/m2 benthic chlorophyll a.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Thirty-two of the 45 nitrate samples and 60 of the 85 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the evaluation guideline for maximum nitrate concentration (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) and the protection of aquatic life uses from bio-stimulatory or eutrophic effects and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, and in accordance with section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, there is supporting evidence which indicates existence of, and high risk for, eutrophication. Furthermore, this water body segment is on the 303(d) List due to low dissolved oxygen conditions.
4. The Pajaro River Watershed Nutrients TMDL has been approved by USEPA.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: 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. Thirty-two of the 45 nitrate samples and 60 of the 85 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the evaluation guideline for maximum nitrate concentration (R3 NNE Technical Report, 2010) and the protection of aquatic life uses from bio-stimulatory or eutrophic effects and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, and in accordance with section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, there is supporting evidence which indicates existence of, and high risk for, eutrophication. Furthermore, this water body segment is on the 303(d) List due to low dissolved oxygen conditions.
4. The Pajaro River Watershed Nutrients TMDL has been approved by USEPA.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 172202
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173027
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 172047
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173563
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 17
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 17 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 172035
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2016-05-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 171550
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 56
Number of Exceedances: 39
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 39 of 56 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149452
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: CMP water quality data 10/17/2018--12/20/2018.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station. Station Code(s): 305WSA
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected on 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected verified in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program,
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 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 171683
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-08-24 and 2010-08-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48894
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
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 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California. U.S. EPA Region IX. State Water Resources Control Board. 68-C-02-108-To-111
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/27/2009-6/29/2010.
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 128275, Nitrate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 171618
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Central Coast RegionTechnical Paper: Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances for California Central Coast Waters. This method uses the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2011-12-12
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107185
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Domestic Animals/Livestock | Natural Sources | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Pajaro River Watershed Nutrients
TMDL Project Code: 999
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2018
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 10/06/2016
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Thirty-five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Eighty-one of 116 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (Basin Plan). Four hundred forty of 1,102 samples exceed the water quality objective for warm freshwater habitat (Basin Plan). Sixty-one of 116 samples exceed the water quality objective for estuarine habitat (Basin Plan). Note that there is no difference between samples fractions ‘dissolved’ and ‘total,’ therefore sample and exceedance counts will be summed for the purpose of this decision.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Eighty-one of 116 samples exceed the fish spawning objective; 440 of 1,102 samples exceed the warm freshwater habitat objective; and 61 of 116 exceed the estuarine habitat objective. These exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Pajaro River watershed nutrient TMDL was approved by USEPA on October 6, 2016.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.

Furthermore, this pollutant waterbody combination should be placed in the 'Being Addressed' portion of the 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18120
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 12019
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174406
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 32
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 32 of 59 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174602
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174370
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174374
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174567
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175232
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174700
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175797
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174442
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 32
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 32 of 59 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175182
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174540
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175796
 
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 EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175196
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174401
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174431
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174551
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175229
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 59
Number of Exceedances: 45
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 45 of 59 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174527
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174323
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 175170
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/L at any time for waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174402
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
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 EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough 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, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48906
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 20
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58961
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of 15 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as "Warm Freshwater Habitat" must be greater than 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Salsipuedes Creek at E Lake Ave Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18155
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 27
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 41 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48186
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58962
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixteen of 34 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as "Warm Freshwater Habitat" must be greater than 5.0 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Site 2. Site 1 data was omitted because it has effluent data only.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once in 2004 and approximately once every other month between January 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13690
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17855
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 868
Number of Exceedances: 324
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 324 of 868 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48896
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48185
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48895
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 21 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107185, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48184
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
107177
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107177, 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 183386
 
Pollutant: 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 6.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107180
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dichlorophenol
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107180, 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163832
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dichlorophenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dichlorophenol, 2,4-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 790 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-27 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107181
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dimethylphenol
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107181, 2,4-Dimethylphenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 164621
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dimethylphenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethylphenol, 2,4-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 2,300 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107183
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dinitrophenol
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 107183, 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 165056
 
Pollutant: 2,4-Dinitrophenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dinitrophenol, 2,4-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 14,000 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-27 and 2017-04-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107189
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: 2-Chlorophenol
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107189, 2-Chlorophenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160981
 
Pollutant: 2-Chlorophenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorophenol, 2-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 400 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
129878
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94159 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129878, Alachlor
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225124
 
Pollutant: Alachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alachlor.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Alachlor is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.64 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107212
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, a total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107212, Aldicarb
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 157302
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Aldicarb. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Aldicarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.46 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-28 to 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107212, Aldicarb
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 157144
 
Pollutant: Aldicarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldicarb.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Aldicarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.46 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
128097
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Based on LOEs summarizing un-ionized ammonia data, two of the 87 samples exceed the water quality objective (Basin Plan) set to protect aquatic life and one of the 111 samples exceed the water quality objective set to protect Fish Spawning habitat.

Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) two of the 44 samples exceed the EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria set to protect aquatic life.

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. Two of the 87 un-ionized ammonia samples exceed the water quality objective set to protect aquatic life, one of the 111 un-ionized ammonia samples exceed the water quality objective set to protect fish spawning habitat, and two of the 44 total ammonia samples exceed the criteria set to protect aquatic life, however none of these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 9404
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 219314
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 16 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 20 samples were collected, 4 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-12 to 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 219288
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 44
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 44 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-04-26 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 183823
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N. Although a total of 13 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-02-09 to 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 149451
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality standard for Ammonia as N, Unionized. 1 of these samples were estimates.
Data Reference: CMP water quality data 10/17/2018--12/20/2018.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2 (Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/L (as N) in receiving waters (page 32).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station. Station Code(s): 305WSA
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected on 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected verified in accordance with the Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program,
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 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58976
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 14 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 2011): 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. The discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at station Watsonville Slough @ Ohlone Parkway Bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 183990
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 32 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
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 (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-05-25 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58977
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 33
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of 33 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 2011): 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. The discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at site 2 located at the tip of the peninsula about 300 ft E-NE of the Nature Center. Samples from site 1 are not representative of the water body as a whole and was not counted. Site 1 is cut off from the slough by soil filled-in from construction projects and samples are heavily influenced from effluent from a nearby storm drain.
Temporal Representation: Pre-restoration samples were collected from January 2005 to July 2005. Post-restoration samples were collected bi-monthly from October 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Upper Watsonville Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58978
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 64
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of 64 samples exceed the water quality objective for Un-ionized Ammonia (as N). Un-ionized ammonia (as N) was calculated from Total Ammonia (as N) from monthly samples reported in the data. The Un-ionized ammonia (as N) values were then established and compared to the Un-ionized Ammonia (as N) at 0.025 mg/L in the RB3 Basin Plan.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Region (CCRWQCB 2011): 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. The discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters for toxicity.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at three sites: 1) at mid-point, south side of road/trail that crosses Watsonville Slough from Ford St., 2) about 30ft. east of Ohlone Parkway, and 3) just east of Lee Rd.
Temporal Representation: Pre-restoration samples were collected monthly from May 2006 to August 2006. Post-restoration samples were collected bi-monthly from April 2007 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions: No samples were collected from the second and third sites during 8/27/2007 because of restoration activities. No samples were collected from the third site during 10/25/2007 because of restoration activities.
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48892
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
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 Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Data from Region 3 Conditional Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Jan. 2007-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/27/2009-3/30/2010.
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 128097, Ammonia
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13674
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-3/28/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
107156
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94160 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the ten samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107156, Atrazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 224887
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107156, Atrazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 158611
 
Pollutant: Atrazine
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Atrazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Atrazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of <1 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107172
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107172, Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 159055
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Azinphos Methyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.01 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107225
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Bensulide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107225, Bensulide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 159046
 
Pollutant: Bensulide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Bensulide.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Bensulide is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107202
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of nine sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline and zero of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94161
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a mysid (Mysidopsis bahia) of 0.0034 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94162
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for BIFENTHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of bifenthrin does not exceed 0.0006 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.004 ug/L. Mixtures of bifenthrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58986
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of three toxicity LC50 values from Amweg et al. (2005) and one toxicity LC50 value from Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94035
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of three toxicity LC50 values from Amweg et al. (2005) and one toxicity LC50 value from Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 151561
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107202, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 151620
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
129875
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Butylate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94163 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129875, Butylate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 224970
 
Pollutant: Butylate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Butylate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Butylate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 105 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107157
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107157, Cadmium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 159729
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107157, Cadmium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160305
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107157, Cadmium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 159660
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107157, Cadmium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 159984
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107158
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the thirteen samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for the protection of aquatic life. 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 section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the thirteen samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Moreover, this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107158, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94164
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CARBARYL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbaryl is 0.02 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Compilation of Water Quality Goals
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107158, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160717
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 2.1 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107158, Carbaryl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160742
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 2.1 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107159
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107159, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160676
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Carbofuran is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.75 ug/L for an invertibrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107159, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94165
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CARBOFURAN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA national ambient water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life instantaneous maximum for carbofuran is 0.5 µg/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Carbofuran to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107159, Carbofuran
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 160444
 
Pollutant: Carbofuran
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbofuran.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Carbofuran is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.75 ug/L for an invertibrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107160
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of one samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of one samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of one samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107160, Chlordane
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152068
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Chlordane from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Chlordane is 17.6 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107160, Chlordane
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 151840
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan, 1990, and is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value of 6 ng/g DW
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107223
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Clothianidin
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107223, Clothianidin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 162311
 
Pollutant: Clothianidin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Clothianidin.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Clothianidin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.05 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107207
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cyanazine
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 107207, Cyanazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163345
 
Pollutant: Cyanazine
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyanazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyanazine is the EC50 of 4.8 ug/L for Navicula pelliculosa (freshwater diatom) (USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database).
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107214
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of the 18 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 18 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses 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.
 
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 107214, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152163
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin, total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107214, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58857
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107214, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152105
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin, total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107214, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94063
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
107216
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at one line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to protect 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 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 even though this water body is impaired for sediment toxicity these water body-pollutant combinations should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for these pollutants are not being exceeded.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107216, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152663
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Total lambda- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107216, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152449
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Total lambda- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107216, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94168
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, Lambda.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Cyhalothrin, lambda, total does not exceed 0.0005 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107216, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94037
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107216, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58861
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda, total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
107203
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 13 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline and zero of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107203, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94038
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107203, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94169
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The genus mean acute value for a grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) of 0.016 ug/L (DFG 00-6, 2000).
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides Bifenthrin, Cypermethrin, Esfenvalerate, and Permethrin to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River System. California Department of Fish and Game. Office of Spill Prevention and Response, Administrative Report 00-6
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107203, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94170
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CYPERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of cypermethrin does not exceed 0.0002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.001 ug/L. Mixtures of cypermethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107203, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152733
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107203, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 152875
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
130086
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Four LOEs summarize sediment samples. One of 17 sediment samples exceed the DDD evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. The data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of 17 sediment samples, exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130086, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58868
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130086, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94049
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130086, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58869
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDD. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130086, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153120
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDD from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDD is 28 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
129996
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Note that this decision combines the pollutant ‘DDT’ and ‘total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD).’

Two LOEs summarize water samples. Zero of nine water samples exceed the DDT evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for aquatic life and estuarine habitat beneficial uses.

Eight LOEs summarize sediment samples. One of 17 sediment samples exceed the DDT evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses. One of 17 sediment samples exceed the total DDT evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. For the water matrix, 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. However, for the sediment matrix, the data support the conclusion that the aquatic life beneficial use is fully supported.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero out of nine water samples, and one of the 17 sediment samples, exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153208
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Sum DDT from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Sum DDT is 62.9 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 155750
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Total DDTs from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Total DDTs is 572 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58983
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94047
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58989
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94183
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for p p' DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58876
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94083
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58880
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for DDT. Data assessed were suspended sediment samples isolated from the whole water sample.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-2/16/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129996, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94182
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for p p' DDT.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
129872
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Dacthal
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129872, Dacthal
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225010
 
Pollutant: Dacthal
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dacthal.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dacthal is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of >1100 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) and vascular plant (acute). The benchmark was derived from a \greater-than\" value (for example, > 265,000) and may overestimate toxicity."
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107215
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94171 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is none or not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

Zero of the fourteen sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection.

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107215, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225109
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0041 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107215, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153619
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107215, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153565
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107215, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58882
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107215, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94040
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
107164
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

Eleven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of 20 water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Finlayson, 2004). For lines of evidence where the fraction is none staff assumed that the fraction is total, based on the analytical method, and the sample and exceedance counts are summed for both fractions for the purpose of making this decision. This sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating of fully supporting. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

One of 15 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for estuarine beneficial use (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016) and zero of two sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. These sample sizes are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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.

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 20 water samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life and this sample size is sufficient to determine the aquatic life beneficial use support rating of fully supporting. One of 15 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the estuarine beneficial use and zero of 12 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life beneficial use and these sample sizes are insufficient to determine the beneficial use support rating.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94041
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94172
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16753
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18695
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA_DHS - Watsonville Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/13/1994-1/27/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94173
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for DIAZINON.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16659
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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 Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.16 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58883
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163789
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163788
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for saltwater aquatic life is 0.82 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163494
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107164, Diazinon
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 163791
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for saltwater aquatic life is 0.82 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107165
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
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 107165, Dichlorvos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 164470
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0058 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-04-26 to 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107165, Dichlorvos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 164394
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0058 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2017-12-13 to 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107166
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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 sections 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. The single sediment sample exceeded the evaluation guideline for aquatic life beneficial uses. However, this sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

Based on 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 sediment sample exceeded the evaluation guideline for aquatic life protection and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107166, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153397
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dieldrin from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Dieldrin is 61.8 ug/kg dw. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107166, Dieldrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153652
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Dieldrin is 8 ng/g dry weight (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107205
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 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. For lines of evidence where the fraction is “not recorded” staff assumed that the fraction is “total” and the sample and exceedance counts are summed for the purpose of making this decision. Zero of six water samples exceeded the USEPA aquatic life evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

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.

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 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107205, Dimethoate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 164692
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107205, Dimethoate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 164846
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Dimethoate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107167
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Dinitro-o-cresol
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 107167, Dinitro-o-cresol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 165152
 
Pollutant: Dinitro-o-cresol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dinitro-2-methylphenol, 4,6-.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 765 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-04-27 and 2017-04-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107168
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107168, Disulfoton
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 165482
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Disulfoton.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Disulfoton is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.01 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107169
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Diuron
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107169, Diuron
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 165614
 
Pollutant: Diuron
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diuron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Diuron, 1.3 ug/L, is not exceeded more than once every three years on the average (Fojut et al., 2010).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: III. Diuron. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:105-141.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107170
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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 107170, Endrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153700
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Endrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Endrin is 0.76 ug/g OC (USEPA1993d). OC = Organic Carbon
Guideline Reference: Technical basis for deriving sediment criteria for nonionic organic contaminants for the protection of benthic organisms by using equilibrium partitioning. EPA822-R-93-011. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107170, Endrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153939
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Endrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Endrin from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Endrin is 207 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107218
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of 14 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline and zero of nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107218, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94042
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107218, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 153882
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107218, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58906
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107218, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 154256
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107218, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94174
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for ESFENVALERATE.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.13 ug/L, as determined in a 96 hour toxicity test using the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas. (USEPA OPP Ecotoxicity database)
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
107208
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94175 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107208, Ethalfluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225023
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethalfluralin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethalfluralin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107208, Ethalfluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 165907
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethalfluralin.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethalfluralin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107209
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Ethoprop
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of three samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107209, Ethoprop
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 166034
 
Pollutant: Ethoprop
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethoprop.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Ethoprop is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.8 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107217
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94176 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is none or not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark). 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'.

Zero of the 16 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107217, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 154272
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107217, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225439
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.06 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107217, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 154018
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107217, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58916
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107217, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94048
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
107171
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107171, Glyphosate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 166944
 
Pollutant: Glyphosate
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Glyphosate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Glyphosate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 11900 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
129879
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94177 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129879, Hexazinone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225167
 
Pollutant: Hexazinone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Hexazinone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Hexazinone is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 7 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107173
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Zero of the six dissolved lead samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for the 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 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107173, Lead
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167965
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107173, Lead
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167944
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107173, Lead
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167666
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107173, Lead
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167746
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107174
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: 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 107174, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 154499
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, gamma- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Lindane from MacDonald et al., 2000a which states that the probable effect concentration for Lindane is 4.99 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107174, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 154907
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, gamma- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for HCH, gamma(Lindane; BHC, gamma) is 0.37 ug/g oc (Fairey et al., 2001). OC = Organic Carbon
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2010-05-25
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107175
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Linuron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107175, Linuron
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 168044
 
Pollutant: Linuron
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Linuron. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Linuron is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.09 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-28 to 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
130783
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Two LOEs summarize water samples:
- Zero of three water samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016), set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
- Zero of three water samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (California Toxics Rule, 2000), set to protect for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No water samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130783, Mercury
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169499
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents known to be deleterious to fish or wildlife (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Criterion Continuous Concentration for freshwater aquatic life is 0.77 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, EPA 2016)
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130783, Mercury
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 168796
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 0.051 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107154
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methamidophos
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 107154, Methamidophos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169493
 
Pollutant: Methamidophos
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methamidophos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methamifophos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 4.5 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107204
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94179 have been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the 13 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107204, Methidathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225360
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107204, Methidathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169562
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107204, Methidathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169848
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methidathion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methidathion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.66 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107199
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the lines of evidence with the fraction identified as “none” or “not recorded” are grouped together with those having the fraction “total”, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, a total of zero of four samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of four samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107199, Methiocarb
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170076
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methiocarb.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methiocarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.75 ug/L for a invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107199, Methiocarb
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169877
 
Pollutant: Methiocarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methiocarb.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methiocarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.75 ug/L for a invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107200
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107200, Methomyl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 169870
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methomyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methomyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.7 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107200, Methomyl
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170134
 
Pollutant: Methomyl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methomyl.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Methomyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.7 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129876
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129876, Metolachlor
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225471
 
Pollutant: Metolachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Metolachlor.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Metolachlor is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129873
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Molinate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94180 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129873, Molinate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225216
 
Pollutant: Molinate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Molinate.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Molinate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 105 ug/L for a fish (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129877
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94181 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.


Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129877, Napropamide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225304
 
Pollutant: Napropamide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Napropamide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Napropamide is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1100 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute) and fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107182
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of three water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline for additive effects of chlorpyrifos and diazinon (Bailey et al., 1997).

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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of three water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107182, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173825
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from the additive effects of the organophophate pesticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon is one toxic unit equivalent. A toxic unit equivalent is equal to the sum of chlorpyrifos and diazinon from a single sample, each having their reported concentration divided their respective evaluation guideline prior to being summed. If this results in a value greater than one, the sample is considered to be in exceedance of the water quality standard. (Bailey et al., 1997).
Guideline Reference: Joint acute toxicity of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos to Ceriodaphnia dubia.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107182, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173458
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from the additive effects of the organophophate pesticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon is one toxic unit equivalent. A toxic unit equivalent is equal to the sum of chlorpyrifos and diazinon from a single sample, each having their reported concentration divided their respective evaluation guideline prior to being summed. If this results in a value greater than one, the sample is considered to be in exceedance of the water quality standard. (Bailey et al., 1997).
Guideline Reference: Joint acute toxicity of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos to Ceriodaphnia dubia.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107201
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
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 107201, Oryzalin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173738
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oryzalin.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Oryzalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 13 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107184
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107184, Oxamyl (Vydate)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 173682
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxamyl.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Oxamyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 27 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107184, Oxamyl (Vydate)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174012
 
Pollutant: Oxamyl (Vydate)
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxamyl.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Oxamyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 27 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107206
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

One of the 10 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

These sample sizes are 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. One of the ten samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107206, Oxyfluorfen
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225385
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107206, Oxyfluorfen
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 174042
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107219
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of one line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. The readily available data and information are insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107219, Paraquat
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 176483
 
Pollutant: Paraquat
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Paraquat.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Paraquat is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.396 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Paraquat dichloride.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107210
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107210, Pendimethalin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225453
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pendimethalin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Pendimethalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.2 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107210, Pendimethalin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 176602
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pendimethalin.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Pendimethalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.2 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107186
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107186, Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 176493
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pentachlorophenol.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in saline water is 7.9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-04-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107186, Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 176540
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pentachlorophenol.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 8.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-04-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107186, Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 176428
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pentachlorophenol.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Pentachlorophenol criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is pH dependent. The criteria has a value of 15 ug/L when based on a default pH of 7.8. (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-04-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107222
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of sixteen sediment samples and zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List 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 107222, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94107
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107222, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58963
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107222, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 155328
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107222, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 155463
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107222
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of sixteen sediment samples and zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List 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 107222, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94185
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of permethrin does not exceed 0.002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.01 ug/L. Mixtures of permethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
107188
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Phenol
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: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107188, Phenol
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179839
 
Pollutant: Phenol
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phenol.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4,600,000 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107211
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Phorate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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.

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 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107211, Phorate
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 180290
 
Pollutant: Phorate
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phorate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phorate is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.21 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107213
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94186 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the ten samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107213, Phosmet
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 180742
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.8 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107213, Phosmet
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225209
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Phosmet.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phosmet is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.8 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107220
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Prodiamine
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 107220, Prodiamine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 180557
 
Pollutant: Prodiamine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Prodiamine.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Prodiamine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.5 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129874
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94187 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129874, Prometryn
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225524
 
Pollutant: Prometryn
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Prometryn.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Prometryn does not exceed 0.562 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Prometryn Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
129880
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94189 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 129880, Propiconazole
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225551
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Propiconazole.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propiconazole is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 21 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107197
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

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

One of the four sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.
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 of the Listing Policy. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.
After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List.
This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of the four sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107197, Pyrethroids
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 155773
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from pyrethroids is one toxic unit. Individual pyrethroid concentrations in sediment were normalized to organic carbon content, divided by the respective LC50 and then summed. A sum over over one toxic unit is an exceedance of the evaluation guideline (Amweg et al. 2006).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
Guideline Reference: Pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban creeks from California and Tennessee. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(5): 1700-1706
Guideline Reference: Compilation of freshwater OC-normalized sediment toxicity data for pyrethroids
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-24 to 2011-05-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107197, Pyrethroids
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 155695
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from pyrethroids is one toxic unit. Individual pyrethroid concentrations in sediment were normalized to organic carbon content, divided by the respective LC50 and then summed. A sum over over one toxic unit is an exceedance of the evaluation guideline (Amweg et al. 2006).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
Guideline Reference: Pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban creeks from California and Tennessee. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(5): 1700-1706
Guideline Reference: Compilation of freshwater OC-normalized sediment toxicity data for pyrethroids
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107190
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107190, Selenium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 180822
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107190, Selenium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181290
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life from dissolved selenium in saline water is 0.071 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107190, Selenium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181396
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life from dissolved selenium in saline water is 0.071 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107190, Selenium
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181262
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.005 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107191
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This decision was made by SWRCB staff.
 
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 107191, Silver
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181808
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107191, Silver
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181805
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107192
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Simazine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94191 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the USEPA aquatic life benchmarks. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107192, Simazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225583
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107192, Simazine
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 181839
 
Pollutant: Simazine
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2014-02-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107224
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Thiamethoxam
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 107224, Thiamethoxam
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156493
 
Pollutant: Thiamethoxam
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thiamethoxam.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiamethoxam is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.74 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
129881
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the eight samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (USEPA benchmark).

These sample sizes are 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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 129881, Thiobencarb
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225613
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thiobencarb.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107194
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. LOE 94193 has been removed from this decision and replaced with new LOEs that assess the data using the UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria. Where the fraction is not recorded, staff assumed that the fraction was total and summed sample and exceedance counts for the purpose of making this decision.

Zero of the 11 samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life protection (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).

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. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 107194, Trifluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156276
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-14 and 2011-06-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107194, Trifluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156297
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin. Although a total of 2 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-28 to 2017-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107194, Trifluralin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 225538
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of Trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WAB)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2008-01-07 and 2009-10-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QAPP not required
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107196
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Zinc
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 27 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 27 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of 27 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 27 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list 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 107196, Zinc
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156818
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107196, Zinc
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156593
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107196, Zinc
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156664
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107196, Zinc
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 156400
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107187
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Forty-seven lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One hundred of the 1181 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. One hundred twenty-three of the 1230 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One hundred of the 1181 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 123 of the 1230 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58969
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 34
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirteen of 34 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Restoration Project Water Quality Data, Aug. 2004-Jun. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0, nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Site 2. Site 1 data was omitted because it has effluent data only.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once in 2004 and approximately once every other month between January 2005 to June 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for the Manabe-Burgstrom Area Slough Restoration Project. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 178067
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 57 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-05-25 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48910
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
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 Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58968
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 15 samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: City of Watsonville Long Term Management Strategy Data, May 2009-Jul. 2010
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0, nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Watsonville Slough at Ohlone Parkway bridge.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from May 2009 to July 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected by the City of Watsonville staff for local watershed monitoring purposes. Samples were analyzed by City of Watsonville laboratory (ELAP #1179) and are consistent with 40 CFR 136 methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48188
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19149
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18914
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17613
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 84
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 84 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13852
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13725
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48189
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13853
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13726
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48911
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17614
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 67
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 67 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19150
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11109
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13851
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 90
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 90 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Shell Rd at pump station, Pajaro Dunes Colony near confluence with Pajaro R, Lee Rd, Errington Rd, San Andreas Rd, Harkins Slough Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/18/2003-3/1/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18915
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11107
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 19148
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 43
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Clean streams project) (R3_CLNStrm) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/2004-11/12/2004.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Data entry completed by volunteers. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged by RB staff (in communication with Clean Streams Program staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18897
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 305-WATSO-21 - Watsonville Slough at Harkins Slough Road, 305-WATSO-23 - Watsonville Slough at Palm Beach Rd., 305-WATSO-22 - Watsonville Slough at Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Pump Station]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48187
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Region 3 - Central Coast Region staff assessed R3 public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008 5:00:00 PM-10/28/2009 10:31:30 AM.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: A QAPP was not specifically written for this project. However, staff conducting data collection and laboratory analysis are also SWAMP contractors. All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48909
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
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 Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13692
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 17612
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 908
Number of Exceedances: 84
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 84 of 908 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
  Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 8 monitoring sites [ WS-LEE - Watsonville Slough at Lee, WS-SAR - Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road, WS-SHA - Watsonville Slough above Shell Road, WS-SHB - Watsonville Slough below Shell Road, WS-ERR - Watsonville Slough at Errington, Krausse confluence, Krausse ditch w/ willows, Krausse open water]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-2/6/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179118
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 178236
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179115
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179760
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179310
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179623
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179704
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179595
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179886
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 57 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-05-25 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179271
 
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 EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 177953
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 177583
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-23)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 180044
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-22)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 178456
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179738
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-WATSO-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179767
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-01-12 and 2017-11-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179778
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179955
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 of 57 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for warm fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2010-05-25 and 2018-12-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 179622
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed EPA CRAM Validation data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305MANDWx)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-05 and 2014-08-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs. 2014. Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module .
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Support for L2 Committee Priority Tool Development: Validation of Three CRAM Modules Task 3: Validation of the Depressional Wetland CRAM Module
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 177269
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305-BEACH-21)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-02 and 2015-05-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Monterey Bay NMS. 2003. California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Coast Wide Snapshot Day 2003 Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107187, pH
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 11108
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
107221
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of three water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial use.

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 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. Three of three water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial use 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 107221, Aluminum
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 233026
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The National Recommended Water Quality Criteria for the protection of aquatic life from aluminum, expressed in terms of total recoverable metal in the water column, is the chronic continuous concentration (4-day average) of 87 ug/L.
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 (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107162
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the 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.

Eleven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. For lines of evidence where the fraction is "none' or "not recorded" staff assumed that the fraction is "total", based on the analytical method, and the sample and exceedance counts are summed for both fractions for the purpose of making this decision. Two of 12 water samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000) for the estuarine beneficial use and this sample size is sufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating of "not supporting".

One of 19 water samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005). This sample size is sufficient to determinet he applicable beneficial use support rating of "fully supporting".

Zero of 12 sediment samples exceed the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Amweg and Weston, 2007) and this sample size is insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for 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. Two of 12 water samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for the estuarine beneficial use 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: 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 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 151845
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 305WSA.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2010-05-25 to 2018-04-24
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94036
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94166
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16330
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/12/2006-5/30/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94167
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for CHLORPYRIFOS.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 16007
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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 Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP_SWAMP Monitoring (04SW3001) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: SWAMP Toxicity Data 2001-06
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA001 - Watsonville Slough above pump station at San Andreas]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/3/2006. SWAMP toxicity monitoring includes both water samples (collected in both winter and summer) and sediment samples (collected in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 18601
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life 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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Department of Health Services (R3_DHS1) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 1 (feb06)
  Final Data File used for assessment: DHS Sediment Chemistry Data, File 2 (sed06)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Evaluation Guideline: One hour average maximum concentration 0.025 ug/L as stated in Sipmann and Finlayson (2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA_DHS - Watsonville Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 12/13/1994-1/27/1995.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was provided for this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161511
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161553
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-04-26 and 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161343
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine 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 Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The saltwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.009 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-04-26 to 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107162, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161551
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
107163
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of six of 13 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 14 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of six of 13 samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of 14 samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107163, Copper
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 162514
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107163, Copper
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161984
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107163, Copper
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 161985
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper. Although a total of 24 samples were collected, 12 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-12 to 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107163, Copper
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 162578
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 5 of the 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper. Although a total of 24 samples were collected, 13 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-01-12 to 2017-12-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
107198
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
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. Three of the four water samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

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. Three of the four water samples exceed the evaluation guideline. 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 107198, Imidacloprid
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167177
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Imidacloprid.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L. (UC Davis Water Quality Criteria)
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-12-13 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107198, Imidacloprid
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 167157
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Imidacloprid. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of Imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L. (UC Davis Water Quality Criteria)
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WASSHE).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2011-04-26 to 2011-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data is exempt from QAPP requirement
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
107178
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: No Source Analysis Available
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2035
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of three samples exceed the dissolved fraction water quality objective and zero of six samples exceed the total fraction water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, six of six samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of six samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of three samples exceed the dissolved fraction water quality objective and zero of six samples exceed the total fraction water quality objective for the commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms beneficial use, six of six samples exceed the water quality objective for the estuarine habitat beneficial use and zero of six samples exceed the water quality objective for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170639
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170559
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170854
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170984
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170707
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
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 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170675
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Pajaro and Santa Cruz Area data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations to protect aquatic life in saltwater. The criterion in saltwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2017-03-02 and 2017-09-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107178, Nickel
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 170610
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed RWB3 Cooperative Monitoring Program data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Human health risk associated with organism consumption is 4.6 mg/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (305WSA)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-28 and 2018-03-02
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Region 3 Conditional Ag Waiver Cooperative Monitoring Program, Revision 6
 
 
DECISION ID
68877
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Change from general pollutant to specific pollutant listing (e.g. metals to copper)
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This decision for pesticides was made prior to 2006 and the supporting data and other information are not held in an assessment database. The historic administrative record does not include specific data for this decision.

This decision for the general category of 'Pesticides' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the pesticides for which there are data. This water segment is being assessed for a full suite of currently applied pesticides such as OP and pyrethroid pesticides. Those individual decisions replace this generic decision for pesticides.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because this decision for the general category of 'Pesticides' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the pesticides for which there are data.
 
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 68877, Pesticides
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 4021
 
Pollutant: Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
84058
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Pathogens
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Change from general pollutant to specific pollutant listing (e.g. metals to copper)
TMDL Name: Watsonville Slough Pathogen
TMDL Project Code: 35
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 07/19/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This decision for the general category of 'Pathogens' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the Indicator Bacteria for which there are data, such as E. coli and fecal coliform. Those individual decisions replace this generic decision.

This decision for 'Pathogens' was made prior to 2006 and the supporting data and other information are not held in an assessment database. The historic administrative record does not include specific data for this decision. Furthermore, newer data for individual pollutants are available and will be assessed under individual decisions. Those decisions will replace this decision for the generic pollutant category 'Pathogens'.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used for the original decision are not available and therefore do not satisfy the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used for the original decision are not available and therefore do not satisfy the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No data is available to assess the status of this water body for this generic pollutant and newer data for individual pollutants under this general category are available and are assessed in separate decisions.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available for this general category
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because this decision for the general category of 'Pathogens' is being replaced by individual decisions for each of the fecal indicator bacteria for which there are data.
 
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 84058, Pathogens
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1857
 
Pollutant: Pathogens
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
107161
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data were assessed for the 2020 listing cycle.

This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for bio-stimulation risk and aquatic life beneficial uses.

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. Two of the 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107161, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 9405
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality standards table
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2005-3/16/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 107161, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 48893
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 21 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 Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSAxxx - Watsonville Slough upstream Harkins Slough]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/14/2007-6/29/2010.
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 107161, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 13689
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water quality standards table
 
Evaluation Guideline: North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Guideline Reference: North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WSA-Watsonville Slough at San Andreas Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/21/2006-9/26/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87530
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative 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 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 twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 87530, Fipronil
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58918
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 87530, Fipronil
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94043
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88038
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 88038, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58919
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88038, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94044
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfide.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88039
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline 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. Zero of the twelve samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 88039, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58931
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88039, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94045
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Fipronil sulfone.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
88148
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment and the pollutant concentration must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) list.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. This sample sizes are 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.

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 nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses and zero of the twelve sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline for aquatic life uses. These do 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 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94046
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for methyl parathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94184
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, methyl.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Department of Fish and Game instantaneous criteria for Methyl Parathion is 0.08 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Hazard Assessment of the Insecticide Methyl Parathion to Aquatic Organisms in the Sacramento River System
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 88148, Methyl Parathion
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58949
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Methyl parathion.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
85277
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
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 sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 at least one line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status, but under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine water samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. Zero of the twelve sediment samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported 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. None of the samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 85277, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 58963
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/2/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85277, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94185
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PERMETHRIN.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of permethrin does not exceed 0.002 ug/L and if the 1-h average concentration does not exceed 0.01 ug/L. Mixtures of permethrin and other pyrethroids should be considered in an additive manner. (Fojut et al. 2012)
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: ll. Pyrethroid insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:51-103.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 85277, Permethrin
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94107
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 3 - 305PJESD3, Pajaro River Estuary-Sediment site 4 - 305PJESD4, 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/29/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Project Plan from UC Davis Marine Pollution Studies Laboratory.
 
 
DECISION ID
87554
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for aquatic life 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 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. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 87554, Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94188
 
Pollutant: Propanil (DCPA mono- and di-acid degrad)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for PROPANIL.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Propanil is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.5 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA
 
 
DECISION ID
68928
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: No new data are assessed. The decision has not changed .
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1856
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 338
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sediment concentration has been studied by many investigators. All available data was reviewed and summarized by (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).

For suspended sediment concentration, 338 representative measurements are available. None of the measurements exceed the sediment threshold.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Three spine stickleback occurs in the Slough and in studies no mortality was observed in a test to identify the lethal threshold for sediment at a concentration of 28,000 mg/L (LeGore and Des Voigne, 1973).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at least 13 stations throughout the slough system.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1976 and 2004 during all seasons.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1854
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Smothering of benthic habitat by sedimentation was not significantly evident, but was also difficult to study. A visual reconnaissance was conducted for signs of excessive recent sedimentation. Unequivocal smothering of habitat could only be documented photographically in small portions of the Watsonville Slough system. Other areas were either stable, contained coarse sediment, contained fine sediment in amounts that did not contradict the expectation of a natural system, were under water, or were not accessible (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68928, Sedimentation/Siltation
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 1855
 
Pollutant: Sedimentation/Siltation
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Long-term aggregation of sediments and reduction in aquatic habitat volume was not evident. Aquatic habitat volume appears to be increasing due to land subsidence associated with de-watering of the area for peat mining and agriculture in the early 1900s, ground water pumping, and possibly local seismic activity. Scientists re-surveyed an old road survey across Struve Slough and Watsonville Slough, and found evidence of subsidence on the order of 10 to 20 mm/year since 1952. Obtained sediment cores in the tidal marsh of lower Watsonville Slough dating back to the 1400s and they were analyzed using radiocarbon dating, pollen, and lead-210. The data suggested an anthropogenic increase in sedimentation surrounding the expansion of agriculture in the first half of the 1900s, but net sedimentation rates since about 1950 appear to have been lower than in pre-historic times. This is likely attributed to decreased sediment supply to the lower reaches resulting from subsidence and the construction of the tide gates in the 1940s (Hager, J. and F. Watson 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: The suspended sediment load and suspended sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause nuisance or adversely affect surface waters.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Most of the data were collected under a Quality Assurance Project Plan prepared by Central Coast Watershed Studies, The Watershed Institute at California State University Monterey Bay.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
87606
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines for the protection of aquatic life beneficial use. 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. Zero of the nine samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: 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 87606, Thiobencarb/Bolero
Region 3     
Watsonville Slough
 
LOE ID: 94192
 
Pollutant: Thiobencarb/Bolero
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: State Water Board staff assessed USGS data for Watsonville Slough to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for THIOBENCARB.
Data Reference: Data for various pollutants in the Pajaro, Salinas, and Santa Maria River estuaries, Jan. 2008-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin (CCRWQCB 2011): All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall reach concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Thiobencarb is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 1.4 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Watsonville Slough was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 305WAT-Watsonville Slough below Beach Street Input - 305WAB]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/7/2008-10/28/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: USGS QAPP
QAPP Information Reference(s): 2002. Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. California Department of Fish and Game, Monterey, CA