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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
Water Body ID: CAR3098112419990222145136
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
130161
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: 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
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
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 Consequently, the fecal coliform objective for water contact recreation is no longer applicable to this waterbody and those LOEs have been removed from this decision.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, four 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.

One of the 50 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.
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 50 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. 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.
 
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 130161, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49539
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130161, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 150422
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 20 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 130161, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 17606
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges, 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 5/17/2003. 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 130161, Fecal Coliform
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11211
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 26 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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
125736
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
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: 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. Because the salinity level of this waterbody is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time, the E. coli bacteria objective applies. Therefore, this waterbody is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy, as applicable, using the E. coli objective.

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

Additionally, water quality conditions in waterbodies may change as a result of management actions that have been implemented to address E. coli. Unrepresentative data may result in incorrectly placing or not placing a water body segment on the CWA section 303(d) List, which could result in the unnecessary expenditure of public resources or missing a human health problem. Historic lines of evidence for data collected prior to 2010 were evaluated pursuant to these considerations and were not used to assess water quality standards attainment because they do not meet the temporal representation requirements of section 6.1.5.3 of the Listing Policy.

All samples are evaluated using the statistical threshold value (STV) water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019). The water quality objective states that the STV shall not be exceeded by more than 10 percent of the samples collected in a calendar month. Where there are more than one samples collected within any six-week period, a geomean of those samples is calculated and evaluated using the geomean water quality objective for water contact recreation (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019).

Although eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant, this decision is based upon evaluation of the E. coli data collected since 2010 which are most representative of existing conditions in the waterbody. Thirteen of the 29 samples collected since 2010 exceed the water quality objective (see LOEs 149792, 148247, 150168, and 149848) and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Note, two of the two geomeans also exceed the geomean water quality objective (see LOE 148245) but this sample count is insufficient to determine a beneficial use support rating. The data were collected between 2010 and 2018 and represent a range of hydrologic conditions (both wet and dry years). This sample count of data collected since 2010 is adequate to determine beneficial use support in accordance with the Listing Policy.

Note, there are three lines of evidence summarizing historic data (data collected prior to 2010) compared to the USEPA’s Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (USEPA, 1986). Seven of the 20 historic samples exceed the USEPA criteria set to protect for water contact recreation. These data are not used for making this decision.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the CWA 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. Thirteen of the 29 samples collected since 2010 exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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 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: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the CWA 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. Thirteen of the 29 samples collected since 2010 exceed water quality objective (ISWEBE, SWRCB 2019) for water contact recreation 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 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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11254
 
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 Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) 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 Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/26/2006-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49537
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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 of the USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986).
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18414
 
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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2004-5/6/2006. 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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 149848
 
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: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 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): 309-ATASC-41
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2014-05-03 .
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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 149792
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 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): 309-ATASC-42
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04 .
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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 150168
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 9 of the 20 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 148245
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: SWAMP FIB data: 1/4/2018--4/16/2018.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective applicable to all non-saline waters, is a geometric mean (GM) of E. coli not to exceed 100 cfu/100 mL. The waterbody GM shall not be greater than the applicable GM magnitude in any six-week interval, calculated weekly (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: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [309ATS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on 2 sampling date(s): 04/17/2018 and 01/23/2018. CCAMP data is collected monthly and other samples associated with this project are included in another LOE for this site
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAPrP. QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
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 125736, Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 148247
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: SWAMP FIB data: 1/4/2018--4/16/2018.
 
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: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [309ATS]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on 2 sampling date(s): 04/17/2018 and 01/23/2018. CCAMP data is collected monthly and other samples associated with this project are included in another LOE for this site
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAPrP. QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108817
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
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 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.

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

Thirty-five of 78 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat water quality objective (Basin Plan). Nineteen of 36 samples exceed the water quality objective for fish spawning (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. Thirty-five of 78 samples exceed the cold freshwater habitat objective and nineteen of 36 samples exceed the fish spawning objective. These exceed 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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 175188
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 173950
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 25 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 174542
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-03 and 2012-08-07
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 175192
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 174129
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 25 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 174359
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-03 and 2012-08-07
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 174225
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 12763
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 5 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, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/1/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18034
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 8 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, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 174340
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Fish Spawning
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 12759
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 11 of 27 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108817, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49214
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
 
DECISION ID
108845
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
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 the 1 water sample exceeds the evaluation guidelines applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. Zero of the 1 water samples exceed the water quality objective for agriculture supply beneficial uses (AGR).

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 five 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 1 water sample exceeds the evaluation guidelines for applied to protect 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: 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 108845, Aluminum
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 157180
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for aluminum for irrigation supply as 5.0 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108845, Aluminum
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 233093
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
127164
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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.

Seven 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, zero of the 27 samples exceed the water quality objective (Basin Plan) set to protect aquatic life.

Based on LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the 11 samples exceed the EPA's Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria set to protect aquatic life. 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 LOEs summarizing total ammonia data (‘nitrogen, ammonia’ and ‘nitrogen as ammonia’) zero of the 47 samples exceed the EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level set to protect municipal and domestic supply 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 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 water quality objectives 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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 219438
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N, Unionized. Although a total of 18 samples were collected, 9 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, Tissue, 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-01-09 to 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 184237
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-07 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 184238
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2012 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as 'the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for a lifetime of exposure.'
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9519
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9470
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49200
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 127164, Ammonia
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49516
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
 
DECISION ID
108800
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the municipal and domestic supply beneficial use. These data are insufficient to determine the applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.

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. A total of zero of one sample exceeds the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of one sample exceeds the evaluation guideline for the municipal and domestic supply 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: 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 108800, Arsenic
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 158097
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for Arsenic is 10 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108800, Arsenic
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 158264
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for arsenic for irrigation supply as 0.1 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108810
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108810, Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 159202
 
Pollutant: Azinphos-methyl (Guthion)
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Azinphos Methyl. 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108829
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
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 108829, Bifenthrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 151543
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108801
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Boron
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 44 dissolved boron samples and zero of the 14 total boron samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural 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 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 44 dissolved boron samples and zero of the 14 total boron samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural 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 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 108801, Boron
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49171
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108801, Boron
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9520
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108801, Boron
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 159272
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108801, Boron
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 159539
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Boron.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply as 0.75 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-12 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108802
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108802, Cadmium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160195
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108802, Cadmium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160090
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for cadmium for irrigation supply as 0.01 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108802, Cadmium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160313
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for cadmium is 0.005 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108835
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Carbophenothion
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 108835, Carbophenothion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160471
 
Pollutant: Carbophenothion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbophenothion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: Drinking water notification levels are published by the Division of Drinking Water and are for chemicals for which there is no drinking water MCL. If a notification level is exceeded, local government notification is required and customer notification is recommended. The criteria for Carbophenothion (Trithion) is 0.007 mg/L.
Guideline Reference: CDPH Archived Advisory Levels for Drinking Water. Archived Advisory Levels are currently considered Notification Levels.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108803
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Chloride
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 13 chloride (dissolved) samples, zero of the 27 chloride (fraction=none), and zero of the 8 chloride (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural 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 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 13 chloride (dissolved) samples, zero of the 27 chloride (fraction=none), and zero of the 8 chloride (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list 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 108803, Chloride
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160634
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-12 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108803, Chloride
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9521
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108803, Chloride
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49172
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108803, Chloride
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 160614
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2012-08-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108805
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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 108805, Chlorpyrifos
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 161949
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos. 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, Tissue, 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 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108842
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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 108842, Chromium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 161849
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for total chromium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108842, Chromium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 161894
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for chromium for irrigation supply is 0.10 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108806
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Copper
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 13 water samples exceed the water quality objective (California Toxics Rule) applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. Zero of the 21 water samples exceed the water quality objective (Central Coastal Basin Plan) applied to protect agricultural supply beneficial use. Zero of the 21 samples exceed the water quality objective (California Toxics Rule) applied to protect municipal and domestic supply beneficial uses. Insufficient information is available to determine aquatic life 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. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.1.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the 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 samples exceeded the water quality objectives for any of the beneficial uses (California Toxics Rule and Central Coastal Basin Plan) 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 108806, Copper
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 163121
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper. Although a total of 21 samples were collected, 8 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, Tissue, 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-01-09 to 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108806, Copper
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 162898
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Copper criteria for the protection of human health from the consumption of water and organisms is 1.300 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108806, Copper
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 162802
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for copper for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108847
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Coumaphos
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 108847, Coumaphos
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 163439
 
Pollutant: Coumaphos
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Coumaphos. 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 Coumaphos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.037 ug/L for invertabretes (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108839
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
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 108839, Cyfluthrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 152537
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108841
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
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 108841, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 152421
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108830
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
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 108830, Cypermethrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 152912
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108840
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
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 108840, Deltamethrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 153527
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108807
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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. 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 two water samples exceeded the aquatic life evaluation guideline (Finlayson, 2004). 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 exceeded the water quality objectives. 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 108807, Diazinon
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 163828
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108832
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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.

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 108832, Dimethoate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 164525
 
Pollutant: Dimethoate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dimethoate.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108808
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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 108808, Disulfoton
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 165042
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 USEPA drinking water health advisory for disulfoton is 0.7 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108808, Disulfoton
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 164870
 
Pollutant: Disulfoton
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Disulfoton. 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108809
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
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 108809, Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 166881
 
Pollutant: Dyfonate (Fonofos or Fonophos)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fonofos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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, 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 Fonofos is the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) of 0.45 ug/L. The MATC is calculated as the geometric mean of the lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 0.64 ug/L and the no observed effect concentration (NOEC) of 0.31 ug/L, as determined in a 21 day toxicity study with the water flea, Daphnia magna. Threshold values (LOEC and NOEC) are from USEPA Office of Pesticide Programs Ecotoxicity database.
Guideline Reference: OPP Pesticide Ecotoxicity Database.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108844
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
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 108844, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 154241
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108828
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Ethion
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 108828, Ethion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 165898
 
Pollutant: Ethion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 USEPA expected safe lifetime exposure limit in drinking water for Ethion, calculated using the IRIS Reference Dose, is 3.5 ug/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, 20% relative source contribution from drinking water, and 0.0005 mg/kg/day as the reference dose.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Reference Summary (Various Pollutants)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108828, Ethion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 165899
 
Pollutant: Ethion
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Ethion. 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 Ethion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.028 ug/L for invertebrates (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108833
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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 two samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold 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 two samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold 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 108833, Ethoprop
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 166002
 
Pollutant: Ethoprop
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethoprop.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108836
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Fenitrothion
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 108836, Fenitrothion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 166309
 
Pollutant: Fenitrothion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fenitrothion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 Fenitrothion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.087 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108843
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
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 108843, Fenpropathrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 154567
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108837
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Fenthion
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 108837, Fenthion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 166466
 
Pollutant: Fenthion
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenthion. 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 Fenthion is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.013 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108811
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108811, Lead
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 167686
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108811, Lead
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 233208
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of organic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Article 5.5, Section 64444, Table 64444-A.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for lead is 15 ug/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108811, Lead
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 167733
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for lead for livestock watering as 0.1 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108812
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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 zero samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Faria et al., 2010) applied to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. In this case, some 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. Zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for drinking water (USEPA drinking water health advisory). 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 fully 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 of the samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. These sample sizes are 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: 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 108812, Malathion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 168695
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108812, Malathion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 168538
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Malathion.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 USEPA drinking water health advisory for malathion is 500 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108813
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Manganese
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 108813, Manganese
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 168965
 
Pollutant: Manganese
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Manganese.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan identified as the maximum concentration for manganese for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108831
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
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. Zero of two water samples exceeded the USEPA aquatic life evaluation guideline. Zero of two water samples exceed the USEPA drinking water health advisory level for municipal and domestic water supply. 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. 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 108831, Methidathion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 169658
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108831, Methidathion
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 169824
 
Pollutant: Methidathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for methidathion is 0.7 ug/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water. An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Database Calculations (summary)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108814
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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 108814, Nickel
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 170653
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108814, Nickel
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 171065
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The maximum contaminant level of nickel in public water systems shall be 0.1 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108814, Nickel
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 170732
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nickel for irrigation supply as 0.2 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108814, Nickel
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 170725
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
121592
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
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 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.11, additional lines of evidence are necessary to support a listing decision.

Twenty-two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Sample and exceedance counts for the Lines of Evidence with pollutant names Nitrate and Nitrogen, Nitrate are summed. Also, samples with the fraction identified as none or not recorded are treated summed with other samples where fraction is reported, based on the analytical method used. Once summed, the sample count meets the minimum of 26 samples needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.2 of the Listing Policy and the beneficial use is fully supported.

Zero of the 60 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objectives for the Agricultural Supply or the Drinking Water Supply beneficial use. Zero of the 29 nitrate samples exceed the 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 uses. Zero of the 8 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the water quality objectives for Agriculture or Municipal and Domestic Supply. Zero of the 8 nitrate/nitrite samples exceed the evaluation guideline for Cold 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 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 samples exceed the water quality objectives and this does not exceed the allowable frequency 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: 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 samples exceed the water quality objectives and this does not exceed the allowable frequency 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.
 
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9523
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49518
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (NO3 as N) incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49186
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for nitrate + nitrite for livestock watering is 100 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49203
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49519
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) that is incorporated by reference in the Basin Plan is 10.0 mg/L (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 171404
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nitrate + nitrite for livestock watering as 100 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2012-08-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 171571
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate + nitrite (as N) is 10. mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2012-08-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 171555
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2012-08-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 173186
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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 (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2014-05-03
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172502
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2014-05-03
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172344
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172508
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 173208
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172030
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2014-05-03
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172006
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172759
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L (NO3 as N) in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 172792
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for nitrate (as N) 10.0 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18287
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
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 municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49202
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49174
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9522
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 121592, Nitrate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18367
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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
130290
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
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 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

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. A total of zero of 23 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply 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 23 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply 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: 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 130290, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49187
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3-4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for nitrite for livestock watering is 10 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130290, Nitrogen, Nitrite
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 173287
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 21 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicalslisted in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for nitrite for livestock watering as 10 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108816
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of two 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 two 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 108816, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 173540
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108846
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108846, Permethrin
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 155469
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108834
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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 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 two water samples exceeded the USEPA aquatic life evaluation guideline. Zero of two water samples exceed the National Academy of Sciences drinking water health advisory for municipal and domestic water supply. 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. 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 108834, Phorate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 179826
 
Pollutant: Phorate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108834, Phorate
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180030
 
Pollutant: Phorate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: 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 National Academy of Sciences health advisory for phorate is 0.7 ug/L. This was calculated using the no-adverse-effect dosage of 0.01 mg/kg, assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, 20% relative source contribution from drinking water, and divided by 100 for a factor of safety.
Guideline Reference: National Academy of Sciences - Volume I Drinking Water and Health
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108838
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of two water samples exceed the USEPA aquatic life evaluation guideline. Zero of two samples exceed the USEPA drinking water health advisory. 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. 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 108838, Phosmet
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180215
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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 that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Based on USEPA IRIS reference dose (RfD) as a drinking water level, the drinking water health advisory level for phosmet is 140 ug/L. This was calculated assuming 70 kg body weight, 2 liters/day water consumption, and 20% relative source contribution from drinking water. An additional uncertainty factor of 10 is used for Class C carcinogens.
Guideline Reference: IRIS Reference Summary (Various Pollutants)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108838, Phosmet
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180354
 
Pollutant: Phosmet
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108827
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108827, Pyrethroids
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 155779
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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, Tissue, 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): 309ATS.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-07-23 to 2012-07-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108819
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108819, Selenium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180998
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All inland surface waters, enclosed bays, and estuaries shall not contain concentrations of inorganic chemicals in excess of the maximum contaminant levels for primary drinking water standards specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15, Sections 64431 and 64433.2.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Maximum Contaminant Level for selenium is 0.05 mg/L (California Code of Regulations, Title 22).
Guideline Reference: California MCLs - Title 17 and Title 22 documents for 2019 - California Regulations Related to Drinking Water
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108819, Selenium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180833
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108819, Selenium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 180808
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for selenium for irrigation supply as 0.02 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108820
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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: 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 108820, Silver
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 181201
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-06-19 and 2018-06-19
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108821
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Sodium
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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 8 sodium (dissolved) samples, zero of the 26 boron (fraction=none) samples, and zero of the 14 sodium (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural 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 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 8 sodium (dissolved) samples, zero of the 26 boron (fraction=none) samples, and zero of the 14 sodium (total) samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list 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 108821, Sodium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49189
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108821, Sodium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9524
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 24
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/13/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108821, Sodium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 181799
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2012-08-07
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108821, Sodium
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 181684
 
Pollutant: Sodium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Sodium.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-09-12 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
126297
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
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 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of eight 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 61 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply. Note that the pollutant name for the older LOEs is electrical conductivity. This was an error and the pollutant name should have always been specific conductivity. For this reason, all eight of the LOEs are combined into this assessment for specific conductivity.

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 61 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural supply 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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 156249
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 182467
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 156261
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 182415
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for SpecificConductivity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level at which severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 17549
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges, 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge]
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11233
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11212
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 18 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/29/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 126297, Specific Conductivity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49173
 
Pollutant: Specific Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3000 uS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
 
DECISION ID
126141
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of three of 74 samples exceed the evaluation guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the cold 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 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 three of 74 samples exceed the evaluation guideline applied to protect the cold freshwater habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list 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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 12762
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 27 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in 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: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 12779
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold 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 CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
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: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in 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: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 7/1/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49218
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 216765
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 216921
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 216881
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 25 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, Toxicity, Water data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 216950
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages of rainbow trout is 13-21 degrees Celsius (Moyle 1976).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 126141, Temperature, water
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18782
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
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: Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in 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: Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: Inland Fishes of California
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
108822
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Terbufos
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 108822, Terbufos
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 156112
 
Pollutant: Terbufos
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Terbufos. 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, Tissue, 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, 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 Terbufos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.03 ug/L for a invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS).
Temporal Representation: Date for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2012-02-28 to 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108822, Terbufos
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 156065
 
Pollutant: Terbufos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Terbufos.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA drinking water health advisory for terbufos is 0.4 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: 2018 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108823
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. This line of evidence summarizes total dissolved solids data and zero of the 20 samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses.

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

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 20 total dissolved solids samples exceed the water quality objective for agricultural uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108823, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 183415
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Dissolved Solids.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan where water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when EC exceeds 3.0 mmho/cm in irrigation supply water (meaurements reported at 25 degrees C). EC measured, at 25 degrees C , is referred to as specific conductivity. Also note that 1 mmho/cm = 1000 uS/cm. In footnote b of Table 3-1, the mmho/cm x 640 = approximate total dissolved solids (TDS) in mg/L or ppm. Therefore, 3.0 mmho/cm x 640 = 1920 with rounding to one significant figure equals 2,000 mg/L TDS.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108825
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

A total of three 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 three of 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold freshwater habitat (Sigler et al. 1984) used to interpret the water quality objectives for the aquatic life 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.

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 three of 37 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for cold 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 108825, Turbidity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 12781
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold 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 Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/26/2006-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108825, Turbidity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49217
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108825, Turbidity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 182931
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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. (Basin Plan)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 25 NTU or greater can cause a reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food (Sigler et al. 1984).
Guideline Reference: Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108826
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
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 two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold 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 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for the agricultural supply beneficial use and zero of 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for the cold 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 108826, Zinc
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 182743
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the maximum concentration for zinc for irrigation supply as 2.0 mg/L.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108826, Zinc
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 182810
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-12-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
108818
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. One of the 56 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses. Three of the 55 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and 1 of 56 samples exceeded the Agriculture Supply objective.

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 56 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply, Contact and Non-contact Recreation beneficial uses, 3 of the 55 samples exceed the maximum pH water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and 1 of 56 samples exceeded the Agriculture Supply objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18164
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49540
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11232
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11253
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49538
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18163
 
Pollutant: pH
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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11252
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11231
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177136
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 178432
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 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 (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177489
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 178205
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 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 (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 178365
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 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 cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177937
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177458
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 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 municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-42)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177527
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field 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 municipal and domestic supply (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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177455
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field 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 cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 179147
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177091
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field 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 in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177110
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177538
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines listed in the Central Coast Basin Plan and identified as the level that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177965
 
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 SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Dissolved Oxygen Study data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-08-07 and 2012-08-07
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177393
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177454
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 cold fresh water habitat (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 7.0 nor raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 178232
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 178984
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177459
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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 municipal and domestic supply (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 (309ATS)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-01-09 and 2018-08-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 177394
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
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 MBNMS Snapshot Day data for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 municipal and domestic supply (Section 3.3.2 Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries) states that the pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (309-ATASC-41)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-05-07 and 2013-05-04
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11213
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18146
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49188
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Region Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11234
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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: Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49216
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18162
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 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, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11230
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11251
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49520
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 2
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH value shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3 (Basin Plan).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 18161
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
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 Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 6 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 309-ATASC-41 - Atascadero Creek West Mall Bridge, 309-ATASC-42 - Atascadero Creek Three Bridges]
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11214
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 17 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108818, pH
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 11250
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 9/2/1999-8/7/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
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
108824
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
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. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Two of five water 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 there is sufficient justification for 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. Two of the five water samples were toxic to test organisms relative to the control 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 108824, Toxicity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 23606
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold 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 CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) 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: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/14/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108824, Toxicity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 23582
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold 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 Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 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: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108824, Toxicity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 23584
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold 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 Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 6/14/2006-2/13/2007. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108824, Toxicity
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 148995
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of the 2 samples collected by SWAMP RWB3 CCAMP Salinas Rotation for Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County) 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: Pimephales promelas, for Biomass (wt/orig indiv), Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Young/female, Ceriodaphnia dubia, for Survival, Pimephales promelas, for Survival, Selenastrum capricornutum, for Total Cell Count
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Sediment, Tissue, 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. 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: ( 309ATS )
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2012-02-28 and 2012-09-05.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWAMP 2008, SWAMP 2017
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Program Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures for the SWAMP program
 
 
DECISION ID
79953
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: Benthic Community Effects is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.9 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, an additional line of evidence associating the Benthic Community Effects with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. Two of 2 samples exceeded the water quality objective (scored below the threshold).

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this water segment 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. Two of 2 samples were below the Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) value of 39 which indicates poor water quality for this area. However, pursuant to section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, the water segment does not have associated pollutant(s) samples that exceed water quality objectives.
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 79953, Benthic Community Effects
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 53280
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Both of the IBI scores in this water body were 39 or lower and therefore are below the impairment threshold of the Southern California IBI.
Data Reference: Santa Barbara Watershed Rotation 2008 2009
 
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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores of 39 or lower are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): pp. 1-13
 
Spatial Representation: Surveys done at the following station: 315ATUxxx-Atascadero Creek @ Patterson Avenue
Temporal Representation: Surveys done on April 10, 2008 and June 4, 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected following SWAMP QA Protocols for the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (Santa Barbara Rotation).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
108804
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 24 samples exceed the water quality objective.

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 24 samples exceed the water quality objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. However this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported using table 3.2.
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 108804, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 9525
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 22 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  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: 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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/7/1999-12/13/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
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 108804, Chlorophyll-a
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 49201
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Cold 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 Water Board Staff assessed public submissions data for Atascadero Creek(309) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Salinas Rotation field data 2007
 
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: Data for Various Pollutants in Westside San Joaquin Water Quality Coalition, 2004-2009.
 
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 Atascadero Creek(309) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309ATS-Atascadero Creek at Highway 41]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/10/2007-2/15/2007.
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 SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s): 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)
 
 
DECISION ID
79955
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 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. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to 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 section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. The single sample did not exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Note, 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.
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 79955, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Atascadero Creek (San Luis Obispo County)
 
LOE ID: 53281
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 1 sample collected for Total PCBs exceeded the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain settleable material in concentrations that result in deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coast Basin).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) - Central Coast Region (Region 3)
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total PCB is 676 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 were collected at the following station 315ATAxxx (315ATA-Atascadero Creek at Ward Drive ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected on 5/22/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan