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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 1 - North Coast Region

Water Body Name: Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
Water Body ID: CAR1132005020020227182345
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
69891
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Flow Alteration/Regulation/Modification | Removal of Riparian Vegetation
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2031
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Regional Board Conclusion:
This pollutant was considered for removal on the section 303(d) list in a previous assessment cycle.
No new information was reviewed for this current assessment cycle. Therefore, the previous conclusion remains unchanged, and is as follows:


This pollutant is being considered for removal from the 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. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing Pudding Creek from the section 303(d) list for temperature. 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) Fourteen of Thirty-one MWMTs from the mainstem of Pudding Creek exceeded the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative temperature objective 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: 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 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 31513
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The following process is utilized to interpret the narrative Temperature Objective in the Basin Plan for impairment assessments. Step 1: determine if temperatures reflect natural conditions. If Yes, then the water body is not considered impaired, if No, Then go to Step 2. Step 2: Determine if temperatures adversely affect beneficial uses. If Yes, then the water body is considered impaired, if No, then go to Step 3. Step 3: Determine if temperatures are increased by 5 degrees F. If Yes, then water body is impaired, if No, then water body is not impaired.
Data Reference: Presentation: Interpreting Temperature Standards in the North Coast Region. North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased more than 5 degrees Fahrenheit (F) above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: EVIDENCE OF ALTERATION OF NATURAL RECEIVING WATER TEMPERATURES (NON-NATURAL TEMPS): The water temperatures of Pudding Creek do not reflect natural conditions as environmental factors that influence water temperature have been altered by human activities. One example of human alternation is found when comparing current and historic aerial imagery, which shows anthropogenic landuse activities, including timber harvest and near-stream roads, have altered the riparian canopy in areas of the Pudding Creek. Riparian canopy in the Pudding Creek watershed has been rated as poor (NMFS 2010). This removal of riparian canopy has resulted in a loss of shade and altered stream temperatures. EVIDENCE OF SALMONID PRESENCE & LIFE CYCLE USE: Coho and steelhead are present in the watershed (NMFS 2010). Core rearing occurs in Pudding Creek and its tributaries during all months of the year and spawning occurs from November to March (CDFG 2004 & Busby et al. 1996).
Guideline Reference: Recovery Plan for the Evolutionary Significant Unit of Central California Coast Coho Salmon.
Guideline Reference: Recovery Strategy for California Coho Salmon: Report to the California Fish and Game Commission
Guideline Reference: Status Review of West Coast Steelhead from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and California
 
Spatial Representation: Information pertains to Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek.
Temporal Representation: Data are reflective of current conditions in this water body.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Information is considered to be of adequate quality for the Integrated Report.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 1692
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1391
Number of Exceedances: 289
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: When compared to the 14.8 °C coho threshold, there were 289 exceedances out of 1391 total samples taken over all of the years at this location. When compared to the 17°C threshold there were no exceedances found for any of the data (Hawthorne Timber Co., 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Temperature objectives for COLD interstate waters, WARM interstate waters, and Enclosed Bays and Estuaries are as specified in the "Water Quality Control Plan for Control of Temperature in the Coastal and Interstate Waters and Enclosed Bays of California" including any revisions thereto. A copy of this plan is included verbatim in the Appendix Section of this Plan. In addition, the following temperature objectives apply to surface waters: The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5°F above natural receiving water temperature. At no time or place shall the temperature of WARM intrastate waters be increased more than 5°F above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The guideline used was from Sullivan et al. (2000) Published Temperature Thresholds-Peer Reviewed Literature which includes reviewed sub-lethal and acute temperature thresholds from a wide range of studies, incorporating information from laboratory-based research, field observations, and risk assessment approaches. This report calculated the 7-day mean (maximum value of the 7-day moving average of the daily mean temperature) upper threshold criterion for coho salmon as 14.8°C and for steelhead trout as 17.0°C. The risk assessment approach used by Sullivan et al. (2000) suggests that an upper threshold for the 7-day average of 14.8°C for coho and 17.0°C for steelhead will reduce average growth 10% from optimum.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: There were 1,391 total samples taken at the middle to upper watershed of Pudding Creek. Hobo-Temps were placed in the pools near the bottom and towards the deepest portion to record the in-stream temperatures. In stream and riparian measurements were taken at all monitoring locations on Pudding Creek.
Temporal Representation: Samples were recorded for 9 years between 1994 and 2001 and again in 2003. Water temperature data were recorded at 90-minute intervals, generally from June until Mid-October upstream temperatures were measured continuously with temperature data loggers (Onset Computer Corp. model HOBO-Temp and OST temperature loggers) in Class 1 streams throughout the property from 1994 to 2004. Hobo-temps allowed uninterrupted data collection to occur throughout the critical summer period.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA/QC Information Summary was submitted. Installation of the temperature data logger (Onset Computer Corp. model HOBO-Temp and OST temperature loggers in Class 1 streams throughout the property devices occurred one day before the first day logged on the continuous temperature monitoring figures. This was done to allow the data loggers to reach equilibrium with the instream temperature regimes and to capture complete daily cycles. No information on equipment calibration, standard operating procedures or data protocols were included with the submittal.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 31715
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of the seventeen MWMTs calculated from the continuous temperature data for the mainstem of Pudding Creek exceed the evaluation guideline. MWMTs ranged from 13.4 degrees C to 17.1 degrees C.
Data Reference: Data for temperature in Pudding Creek, May 1994-Oct. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, North Coast Region (NCRWQCB 2011): The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the North Coast Region
 
Evaluation Guideline: If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alteration is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affects on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows: U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards' (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.
Guideline Reference: EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.
 
Spatial Representation: Seven sites on Pudding Creek: Lower Pudding Creek 434878 PUD1, Pudding Creek at Slaughterhouse PUD2, Trapping PUD4, Upper Pudding Creek PUD5,Pudding Creek First Crossing PUD6, Pudding above Slaughterhouse PUD7, Pudding above LeValley PUD8.
Temporal Representation: Continuous temperature data was collected usng Stowaway & Hobo temperautre loggers set to record at 1-2 hour intervals. Data were recorded at PUD 1 in 2008 & 2009; PUD 2 in 2005, 2007-2009; PUD 4 in 2008 & 2009; PUD 5 in 1994, 2007-2009; PUD 6 in 2008; PU
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Document titled 'Pudding Creek Temperature Monitoring Project Plan' was submitted with the temperature data and contains well documented QA information.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 7505
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The natural receiving water temperature of the Pudding Creek Watershed has been altered due to the removal of riparian vegetation and the subsequent loss of shade. Riparian vegetation has been removed through timber harvest activities and near-stream roads. In order to determine if temperatures adversely affect salmonids, the most sensitive beneficial uses in Pudding Creek, temperature data was analyzed. One of the 2 MWMT values calculated from temperature samples collected from Upper Pudding Creek (PUD 5) exceeds the evaluation guideline. MWMT values range from 15.5 to 16.2 C. Data are sumarrized by Hawthorne Timber Co. (2003).
Data Reference: Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
  Map of the present and Historic Stream Temperature Monitoring Stations. Pudding Creek. 1994-2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.
Guideline Reference: EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.
 
Spatial Representation: PUD 5 is located on the mainstem of Upper Pudding Creek above the confluence with LeValley Gulch. The exact location of the site is found on the map provided by Campbell Timberland Management (2008). Hobo-Temps were placed in well-mixed pools near the bottom and towards the deepest portion to record the in-stream temperatures.
Temporal Representation: At PUD 5, a total of 97 water temperature samples were collected at 90-minute intervals. The 2 MWMT values were caculated from these 97 individual measurements. Samples were collected during the summer months (generally June to mid-October) in 1995 and 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Data were collected during the hottest time of the year. There are no other known environmental conditions (e.g., land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with Campbell Timberland Management¿s QA/QC Information Summary (Hawthorne Timber Co., 2003). Installation of the temperature data logger (Onset Computer Corp. model HOBO-Temp and OST temperature loggers) in Class 1 streams occurred one day before the first day logged on the continuous temperature monitoring figures. This was done to allow the data loggers to reach equilibrium with the instream temperature regimes and to capture complete daily cycles. No information on equipment calibration, standard operating procedures or data protocols were included with the submittal.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 7502
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The natural receiving water temperature of the Pudding Creek Watershed has been altered due to the removal of riparian vegetation and the subsequent loss of shade. Riparian vegetation has been removed through timber harvest activities and near-stream roads. In order to determine if temperatures adversely affect salmonids, the most sensitive beneficial uses in Pudding Creek, temperature data was analyzed. Eigth of the 9 MWMT values calculated from temperature samples collected from Pudding Creek at Slaugher House Gulch (PUD 2) exceed the evaluation guideline. MWMT values range from 15.2 to 17.6 C. Data are sumarrized by Hawthorne Timber Co. (2003).
Data Reference: Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
  Map of the present and Historic Stream Temperature Monitoring Stations. Pudding Creek. 1994-2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.
Guideline Reference: EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.
 
Spatial Representation: PUD 2 is located on the mainstem of Pudding Creek at the confluence with Slaugher House Gulch. The exact location of the site is found on the map provided by Campbell Timberland Management (2008). Hobo-Temps were placed in well-mixed pools near the bottom and towards the deepest portion to record the in-stream temperatures.
Temporal Representation: At PUD 2, a total of 907 water temperature samples were collected at 90-minute intervals. The 9 MWMT values were caculated from these 907 individual measurements. Samples were collected during the summer months (generally June to mid-October) in 1994 - 2000, 2001, and 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Data were collected during the hottest time of the year. There are no other known environmental conditions (e.g., land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with Campbell Timberland Management¿s QA/QC Information Summary (Hawthorne Timber Co., 2003). Installation of the temperature data logger (Onset Computer Corp. model HOBO-Temp and OST temperature loggers) in Class 1 streams occurred one day before the first day logged on the continuous temperature monitoring figures. This was done to allow the data loggers to reach equilibrium with the instream temperature regimes and to capture complete daily cycles. No information on equipment calibration, standard operating procedures or data protocols were included with the submittal.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69891, Temperature, water
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 7496
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The natural receiving water temperature of the Pudding Creek Watershed has been altered due to the removal of riparian vegetation and the subsequent loss of shade. Riparian vegetation has been removed through timber harvest activities and near-stream roads. In order to determine if temperatures adversely affect salmonids, the most sensitive beneficial uses in Pudding Creek, temperature data was analyzed. One of the 3 MWMT values calculated from temperature samples collected from site PUD 1 exceeds the evaluation guideline. MWMT values range from 14.6 to 16.5 C. Data are sumarrized by Hawthorne Timber Co. (2003).
Data Reference: Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
  Map of the present and Historic Stream Temperature Monitoring Stations. Pudding Creek. 1994-2008
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Per the Basin Plan (NCRWQCB 2007): The natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Water Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses. At no time or place shall the temperature of any COLD water be increased by more than 5 F above natural receiving water temperature.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - North Coast Region (Region 1)
 
Evaluation Guideline: If the natural receiving water temperature has been altered, or if alternation is unknown, the evaluation guideline to determine adverse affect on the most sensitive beneficial use (in this case, salmonids) is as follows. Per "U.S. EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards" (USEPA 2003), the U.S. EPA recommends a criterion for the protection of moderate to high density summertime salmon and trout juvenile rearing (i.e., core juvenile rearing) of a maximum weekly maximum temperature (MWMT) of 16 degrees C. The MWMT is also known as the maximum 7-day average of daily maximums (7DADM). The 16 degrees C MWMT criterion is recommended to (1) safely protect juvenile salmon and trout from lethal temperatures; (2) provide upper optimal conditions for juvenile growth under limited food during the period of summer maximum temperatures and optimal temperatures for other times of the growth season; (3) avoid temperatures where juvenile salmon and trout are at a competitive disadvantage with other fish; (4) protect against temperature induced elevated disease rates; and (5) provide temperatures that studies show juvenile salmon and trout prefer and are found in high densities.
Guideline Reference: EPA Region 10 Guidance for Pacific Northwest State and Tribal Temperature Water Quality Standards. EPA 910-B-03-002. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 10 Office of Water, Seattle, WA.
 
Spatial Representation: PUD 1 is located on the mainstem of Pudding Creek in the lower portion of the watershed. The exact location of the site is found on the map provided by Campbell Timberland Management (2008). Hobo-Temps were placed in well-mixed pools near the bottom and towards the deepest portion to record the in-stream temperatures.
Temporal Representation: At PUD 1, a total of 352 water temperature samples were collected at 90-minute intervals. The 3 MWMT values were caculated from these 352 individual measurements. Samples were collected during the summer months (generally June to mid-October) in 1994, 1996, and 1997.
Environmental Conditions: Data were collected during the hottest time of the year. There are no other known environmental conditions (e.g., land use practices, fire events, storms, etc.) that are related to these data.
QAPP Information: Quality control was conducted in accordance with Campbell Timberland Management¿s QA/QC Information Summary (Hawthorne Timber Co., 2003). Installation of the temperature data logger (Onset Computer Corp. model HOBO-Temp and OST temperature loggers) in Class 1 streams occurred one day before the first day logged on the continuous temperature monitoring figures. This was done to allow the data loggers to reach equilibrium with the instream temperature regimes and to capture complete daily cycles. No information on equipment calibration, standard operating procedures or data protocols were included with the submittal.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Instream temperature monitoring information: Usal Creek, Ten Mile River (north and south forks), Big River, Salmon Creek. Arcata, CA: Campbell Timberland Management
 
 
DECISION ID
78821
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2025
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Fecal indicator bacteria (which includes fecal coliform) are being considered for placement on the Section 303(d) list under Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence (LOE) is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence for fecal coliform are available in the administrative record to assess fecal indicator bacteria in Pudding Creek Lagoon.

It should be noted that an additional two LOEs assessing enterococcus data and two LOEs assessing total coliform were not utilized in this decision for the following reasons: (1) enterococcus is not an appropriate indicator of sewage and pathogens in freshwater as it can come from non-fecal sources, can regrow in the stream environment, and because there is a likelihood of false positive results in freshwater using current analytical methods, and (2) total coliform are widespread in nature and occur in non-fecal sources such as soil and submerged wood.

In accordance with Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy, a 4% exceedance rate shall be used to add waters to the List "if water quality monitoring was conducted April 1 through October 31 only". For data utilized in this decision, waters should be listed if greater than or equal to 3 of the 26 single sample maximum values for fecal coliform exceed the objective. Additionally, waters should be listed if greater than or equal to 2 of the 21 geometric mean values for fecal coliform exceed the objective. Sixteen of 21 geometric mean samples and 14 of 26 single sample maximums for fecal coliform in Pudding Creek Lagoon exceed the evaluation guideline and this violates the allowable 4% exceedance rate.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing Pudding Creek Lagoon on the Section 303(d) list for fecal indicator bacteria (i.e., sufficient justification to list). This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: (1) The data used satisfy the data quality requirements of Section 6.1.4 of the Policy. (2) The data used satisfy the data quantity requirements of Section 6.1.5 of the Policy. (3) Sixteen of 21 geometric mean samples and 14 of 26 single sample maximums for fecal coliform in Pudding Creek Lagoon exceed the evaluation guideline and this exceeds the allowable 4% frequency identified in Section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. (4) Pursuant to Section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: This region was not assessed this cycle. All decisions have been carried over from the previous cycle and remain the same.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46775
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 14 of 26 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The single sample maximum for Enterococcus shall not exceed 61 MPN/100 mL. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pudding Creek Beach was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Pudding Lagoon]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected during the months from April - October, over the time period 4/2/2007-8/24/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46774
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixteen of the 21 geomeans exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean standard for entercoccus states that the entercoccus density shall not exceed 33 per 100 mL. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Pudding Creek Beach, Pudding Lagoon site.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a week from April to October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46777
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of the twenty-six samples exceed the criterion for Fecal Coliform.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The single sample maximum for fecal coliform shall not exceed 400 MPN/100 mL Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pudding Creek Beach was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Pudding Lagoon]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected during the months of April - October, over the time period 4/2/2007-8/24/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46776
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of the 21 geomeans exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean standard for fecal coliform states that the coliform density shall not exceed 200 MPN per 100 mL. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Pudding Creek Beach, Pudding Lagoon site.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a week from Aptil to October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the beach watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46778
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 21
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty one of the 21 geomeans exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean standard for total coliform states that the coliform density shall not exceed 1000 per 100 mL. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Pudding Creek Beach at the Pudding Lagoon site.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a week from April to October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 78821, Indicator Bacteria
Region 1     
Mendocino Coast HU, Noyo River HA, Pudding Creek
 
LOE ID: 46779
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Fifteen of the twenty-six samples exceed the criterion for Total Coliform.
Data Reference: Data for Region 1 Beach Watch.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: The total coliform density shall not exceed 10,000 MPN/100 mL Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches CDPH 2006.
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Pudding Creek Beach was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Pudding Lagoon]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected during the months of April - October, over the time period 4/2/2007-8/24/2010.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The samples were collected for the Beach Watch program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):