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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 8 - Santa Ana Region

Water Body Name: Santa Ana River, Reach 2
Water Body ID: CAR8011300019991014130438
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
77497
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; due to change in WQS
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: In 2012, the Regional Board revised its Basin Plan with new Pathogen Bacteria Indicator Objectives for REC-1(Resolution No. R8-2012-001, approved by USEPA in 2015). In general, the primary objective is <126 E. coli organisms per 100 mL as a geomean of at least 5 samples in a running 30-day period (there were additional provisions for specific waters through UAAs, a high flow suspension provision and use of Single Sample Maximums for posting and for the case where limited data prevents the calculation of geomeans. As a result these Enterococcus, Fecal Coliform and Total Coliform LOEs will be retired. Further, the Single Sample objective was only used because of the lack of representative 30-day, 5-sample Geomean values, as per the Region 8 Basin Plan (2016 update) on page 4-17, footnote 3. When representative 30-day, 5-sample Geomean values are collected the Single Sample E. coli LOEs will be retired.

In assessing the E. coli LOEs:

LOE 26082 did not use the correct SSM E. coli wqo of 409 mpn/100mL as a Tier C water and therefore there should be 27 exceedances of 150 samples not 37 exceedances of 150 samples.

LOE82381 did not use the correct SSM E. coli wqo of 409 mpn/100mL as a Tier C water and miscounted the number of samples and therefore there should be 22 exceedances of 165 samples not 42 exceedances of 164 samples.

This results in a grouped total of 49 exceedances of 315 samples, which does not exceed Table 3.2 for a listing for Indicator Bacteria based on E. coli.

Finally, LOE82382 misidentified 30-day, 4-sample geomeans as 30-day, 5-sample geomeans. ¿5-samples¿ is the water quality objective specified in the R8 Basin Plan and for that data set, the minimum period for 5 samples in that data set is 50 days.

This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List based on a water quality objective change to E. coli and the lack of sufficient exceedances of E. coli under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Nine (9) lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Zero (0) of 0 samples exceed the E. coli Geomean Objective.
Forty Nine (49) of 315 samples exceed the E. coli Single Sample Objective.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero (0) of the 0 samples exceed the E. coli Geomean Objective, and this does not exceed the frequency listed in table 3.2. A minimum of 5 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using Table 3.2.
4. Forty Nine (49) of the 315 samples exceed the E. coli Single Sample Objective, and this does not exceed the frequency listed in table 3.2
5. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

From the 2010 Listing Cycle:

USEPA Final Approval Decision Details:

The November 12, 2010 USEPA partial approval letter and the October 11, 2011 final approval letter both from Alexis Strauss, USEPA Region 9, to Tom Howard, SWRCB, concluded the following:

USEPA added Santa Ana River, Reach 2 to the list of water quality limited segments requiring a TMDL for indicator bacteria. This water body is designated as a Water Contact Recreation (REC1) water body either explicitly or implicitly as tributaries to other designated segments (RWQCB Santa Ana Region, 2008, Table 3-1, pp.3-23 - 3-35).

The Santa Ana Basin Plan has the following water quality objective for fecal coliform to protect REC1 beneficial use:

Fecal coliform: log mean less than 200 organisms/100 mL based on five or more samples/30 day period, and not more than 10% of the samples exceed 400 organisms/100 mL for any 30-day period. (RWQCB Santa Ana Region, 2008, pp.4-9)

Recent monitoring data collected in this water body measures Escherichia coli (E. coli) indicator bacteria. E. coli is one species within the broader category of fecal coliform bacteria and monitoring data for E. coli can be used to evaluate whether the fecal coliform objective is being met in the subject water body. In addition,

USEPA has recommended that California use USEPA's Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (1986) when there is no adopted E. coli standard. Specifically, USEPA recommends that for REC1 beneficial use the following criteria be used:
Steady state geometric mean indicator density - 126 indicator densities/100ml Designated beach area (upper 75% confidence limit) - 235 indicator densities/100ml (EPA, 1986, Table 4, pp.15)

USEPA compared the E. coli data for subject water bodies to the Basin Plan's fecal coliform objective, as well as to USEPA's recommended E. coli criteria and the results were:

1. Thirty-seven of the 150 samples taken exceeded the USEPA E. coli criteria (235 organisms/100ml).
2. Twenty-seven of the 150 samples taken exceeded the Basin Plan objective for fecal coliform (400 organisms/100ml).

For this water body segment, sufficient exceedances of the fecal coliform objective and the USEPA recommended criteria exist to merit listings per the 10% exceedance threshold for conventional pollutants expressed in Table 3.2 of the State Listing Policy.

For historical clarification, the Regional and State Water Board detailed decision recommendations made prior to USEPA's final decision are presented in their respective recommendation fields in this decision.

Note: All lines of evidence (LOEs) previously made by the Regional Boards have been revised where necessary in accordance with USEPA's final decision.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: From the 2010 Listing Cycle:

USEPA Final Approval Decision Details:

The November 12, 2010 USEPA partial approval letter and the October 11, 2011 final approval letter both from Alexis Strauss, USEPA Region 9, to Tom Howard, SWRCB, concluded the following:

USEPA added Santa Ana River, Reach 2 to the list of water quality limited segments requiring a TMDL for indicator bacteria. This water body is designated as a Water Contact Recreation (REC1) water body either explicitly or implicitly as tributaries to other designated segments (RWQCB Santa Ana Region, 2008, Table 3-1, pp.3-23 - 3-35).

The Santa Ana Basin Plan has the following water quality objective for fecal coliform to protect REC1 beneficial use:

Fecal coliform: log mean less than 200 organisms/100 mL based on five or more samples/30 day period, and not more than 10% of the samples exceed 400 organisms/100 mL for any 30-day period. (RWQCB Santa Ana Region, 2008, pp.4-9)

Recent monitoring data collected in this water body measures Escherichia coli (E. coli) indicator bacteria. E. coli is one species within the broader category of fecal coliform bacteria and monitoring data for E. coli can be used to evaluate whether the fecal coliform objective is being met in the subject water body. In addition,

USEPA has recommended that California use USEPA's Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria (1986) when there is no adopted E. coli standard. Specifically, USEPA recommends that for REC1 beneficial use the following criteria be used:
Steady state geometric mean indicator density - 126 indicator densities/100ml Designated beach area (upper 75% confidence limit) - 235 indicator densities/100ml (EPA, 1986, Table 4, pp.15)

USEPA compared the E. coli data for subject water bodies to the Basin Plan's fecal coliform objective, as well as to USEPA's recommended E. coli criteria and the results were:

1. Thirty-seven of the 150 samples taken exceeded the USEPA E. coli criteria (235 organisms/100ml).
2. Twenty-seven of the 150 samples taken exceeded the Basin Plan objective for fecal coliform (400 organisms/100ml).

For this water body segment, sufficient exceedances of the fecal coliform objective and the USEPA recommended criteria exist to merit listings per the 10% exceedance threshold for conventional pollutants expressed in Table 3.2 of the State Listing Policy.

For historical clarification, the Regional and State Water Board detailed decision recommendations made prior to USEPA's final decision are presented in their respective recommendation fields in this decision.

Note: All lines of evidence (LOEs) previously made by the Regional Boards have been revised where necessary in accordance with USEPA's final decision.
 
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 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82380
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of the four samples exceeded the entercoccus guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean for entercoccus shall not exceed more than 33/100ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria 1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a year from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82379
 
Pollutant: Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 141
Number of Exceedances: 75
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seventy-five of the 141 samples exceeded the entercoccus guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The single sample entercoccus concentration shall not exceed more than 61/100ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria 1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a year from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82386
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the four samples exceeded the total coliform guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean for total coliform shall not exceed more than 1000/100ml. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches (CDPH 2011).
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a month from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82385
 
Pollutant: Total Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 173
Number of Exceedances: 24
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-four of the 173 samples exceeded the total coliform guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The single sample total coliform concentration shall not exceed more than 10,000/100ml. Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches (CDPH 2011).
Guideline Reference: Draft Guidance for Fresh Water Beaches. Last Update: May 8, 2006. Initial Draft: November 1997. California Department of Public Health.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a month from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82382
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the four samples exceeded the E.coli guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The geometric mean for E. coli shall not exceed more than 126/100ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria 1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once a month from 1996 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 26082
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 150
Number of Exceedances: 37
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 150 samples taken by Orange County Coast Keeper Coastal Watersheds Project, 37 exceeded USEPA's recommended single sample standard and 27 samples exceeded the Basin Plan fecal coliform objective. These data was obtained by the Orange County Coast Keeper through a Clean Water Act Section 319 (h) Grant.
Data Reference: USEPA Partial Approval Disapproval Letter and enclosures for California's 2008-2010 303(d) List
  USEPA Final Decision Letter with enclosures and responsiveness summary regarding waters added to California's 2008-2010 303(d) List
  Orange County Coast Keeper Coastal Watersheds Project
  USEPA Region 9 data summary for addition of indicator bacteria to California 2010 303(d) list for some Santa Ana River - Region 8 water bodies
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: USEPA Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986: E. coli: log mean less than 126 organisms/100 mL based on five or more samples per 30-day period, and single sample shall not exceed 235 organisms/100mL.

Santa Ana Region Basin Plan objective for Fecal coliform: log mean less than 200 organisms/100 mL based on five or more samples/30 day period, and not more than 10% of the samples exceed 400 organisms/100 mL for any 30-day period. (RWQCB Santa Ana Region, 2008, pp.4-9)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin
Objective/Criterion Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at six stations in the Santa Ana River (SAR1, SAR2, SAR3, SAR4, SAR5, SAR6).
These stations are located as follows:
SAR1 - Green River: This site is located off of 91 freeway at the Green River exit under the bridge at the Green River Golf Course.
SAR2- Gypsum Canyon: This site is located off of Gypsum Canyon Rd. and Yorba Linda Boulevard, across the street from the "Fantasy Restaurant."
SAR3 - The Yorba Linda Park: This site is located on the Santa Ana River east of Lakeview Street off of the 91 freeway.
SAR4 - Lakeview: This site is located off the 91 freeways and Lakeview street across from Kaiser Permanente, on the south east bank of the river, next to the bridge.
SAR5 - Lincoln: The Lincoln site is located off the 57 Freeway North before it meets the 91 freeway off of Lincoln street on the north east corner of the bridge.
SAR6 - Katella: This site is located off the 57 freeway N at the Katella exit, across the street from the Anaheim Pond Sports arena.
Temporal Representation: These samples were collected weekly as follows: 28-Oct-02
24-Nov-02, 17-Dec-02, 28-Dec-02, 7-Jan-03, 22-Jan-03, 5-Feb-03, 18-Feb-03, 6-Mar-03, 21-Mar-03, 8-Apr-03, 6-May-03, 5-Jun-03, 8-Jul-03, 6-Aug-03, 2-Sep-03, 20-Oct-03, 18-Nov-03, 5-Dec-03, 9-Dec-03, 7-Jan-04, 20-Jan-04, 3-Feb-04, 17-Feb-04, 3-Mar-04, 17-Mar-04, 6-Apr-04, 4-May-04, 10-Jun-04
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: The data's quality is deemed appropriate because it was obtained under the auspices of a QAPP approved by the Regional Board.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82381
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 164
Number of Exceedances: 42
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Forty-two of the 164 samples exceeded the E.coli guideline.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The single sample E. coli concentration shall not exceed more than 235/100ml. USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria 1986.
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected once month from 1995 to 1999 and from 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82383
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 173
Number of Exceedances: 32
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-two of the 173 samples exceeded the fecal coliform objectve.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed more than 400/100 ml. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a month from 1995 to 1999 and 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 77497, Indicator Bacteria
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82384
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the four samples exceeded the fecal coliform objectve.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The geometric mean for fecal coliform shall not exceed more than 200/100 ml. Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at stations SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected approximately once a month from 1995 to 1999 and 2004 to 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
73901
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Alachlor | Atrazine | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) | Carbaryl | Carbofuran | Chlorpyrifos | DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | Diazinon | Dieldrin | Disulfoton | Malathion | Methyl Parathion | Molinate | Simazine | Thiobencarb/Bolero
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: There was no new data considered in the 2014 Listing Cycle, this previously made decision will carryover. The following description applies to an earlier Listing Cycle.

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 (1) line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 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. None of twenty (20) samples exceeded the US EPA National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria Aquatic Life Protection Instantaneous Max, theUS EPA National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria Aquatic Life Protection Cont Conc 4 day average or the California Toxics Rule Freshwater aquatic life protection Cont Conc 4 day average 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: 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. 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 73901, Multiple Pollutants
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 7823
 
Pollutant: Alachlor | Atrazine | Azinphos-methyl (Guthion) | Carbaryl | Carbofuran | Chlorpyrifos | DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) | Diazinon | Dieldrin | Disulfoton | Malathion | Methyl Parathion | Molinate | Simazine | Thiobencarb/Bolero
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 20 samples collected none exceeded the guidelines.
Data Reference: Concentrations of Pesticides in the waterbodies in the Santa Ana Region
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Santa Ana Region¿s Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: USEPA National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria Aquatic Life Protection Instantaneous Max - alachlor: 76 ppb, atrazine: 1 ppb, azinphos methyl: 0.01 ppb, carbaryl: 0.02 ppb, carbofuran: 0.5 ppb, disulfoton: 0.05 ppb, malathion: 0.01 ppb. California Department of Fish and Game: chlropyrifos: 0.014 ppb, diazinon: 0.08 ppb, parathion: 0.08 ppb, molinate: 13 ppb, permethrin: 0.03 ppb, thiobencarb: 3.1 ppb. USEPA National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria Aquatic Life Protection Cont Conc 4 day ave: DDE: 0.001 ppb. CTR Freshwater aquatic life protection Cont Conc 4 day ave - dieldrin: 0.056 ppb
Guideline Reference: National recommended water quality criteria: 2002. EPA-822-R-02-047 Washington, D.C. USEPA
Guideline 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
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at Santa Ana River Below Imperial Hwy Near Anaheim_USGS NAWQA site
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected on: 1/13/00, 1/25/00, 2/1/00, 2/12/00, 2/18/00, 2/23/00, 2/29/00, 3/17/00, 3/31/00, 4/13/00, 5/12/00, 6/15/00, 7/14/00, 8/17/00, 9/13/00, 10/19/00, 12/13/00, 1/18/01, 2/21/01, 4/19/01.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data's quality is deemed appropriate because it came from the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77512
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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: There was no new data considered in the 2014 Listing Cycle, this previously made decision will carryover. The following description applies to an earlier Listing Cycle.

State Board Review and Conclusion:
The April 19, 2010 State Water Board staff report for the 2010 Integrated Report recommended to place this water body on the 303(d) list for cadmium based on the evaluation of existing data.

State Water Board staff evaluated the cadmium data using a default CTR translator to translate the data from total recoverable to dissolved for comparison to the California Toxics Rule (CTR) criteria for cadmium.

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 with the CTR chronic criteria. Four of 35 samples exceed the CTR criteria.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of 35 samples exceed the California Toxics Rule chronic criteria 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.

At the June 15, 2010 State Water Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board directed staff to reevaluate the listing recommendation for this water body-pollutant combination. Based on this reevaluation, State Water Board staff continued to recommend to place this water body on the 303(d) list for cadmium.

At the August 4, 2010 State Water Board's follow-up Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board did not approve the State Water Board staff recommendation and instead recommended to not place this water body on the 303(d) list for cadmium.
 
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. 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 77512, Cadmium
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 31363
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 35
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 35 samples exceed the CTR chronic criterion. Total metals data were converted to compare with dissolved metals criteria.
Data Reference: 2006 HCMP Database
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Santa Ana Region's Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments, or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) for freshwater aquatic life for cadmium. Numeric criterion varies with hardness.
Guideline 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
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Santa Ana River below Prado Dam.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 7/30/1972 to 8/16/2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data originated from an NPDES discharger in compliance with their monitoring and reporting program requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
76776
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Copper
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: There was no new data considered in the 2014 Listing Cycle, this previously made decision will carryover. The following description applies to an earlier Listing Cycle.

State Board Review and Conclusion:
The April 19, 2010 State Water Board staff report for the 2010 Integrated Report recommended to place this water body on the 303(d) list for copper based on the evaluation of existing data. State Water Board staff evaluated the copper data using a default CTR translator to translate the data from total recoverable to dissolved for comparison to the California Toxics Rule (CTR) criteria for copper.

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 with the CTR chronic criteria. Twenty-nine of 57 samples exceed the CTR criteria.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twenty-nine of 57 samples exceed the California Toxics Rule chronic criteria 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.

At the June 15, 2010 State Water Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board directed staff to reevaluate the listing recommendation for this water body-pollutant combination. Based on this reevaluation, State Water Board staff continued to recommend to place this water body on the 303(d) list for copper.

At the August 4, 2010 State Water Board's follow-up Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board did not approve the State Water Board staff recommendation and instead recommended to not place this water body on the 303(d) list for copper.
 
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. 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 76776, Copper
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 31364
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 57
Number of Exceedances: 29
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixty-four samples were collected for this data set. However, only 57 samples have results above the criterion or non-detect results with sample detection limits below the criterion. Twenty-nine of 57 samples exceed the CTR chronic criterion. Total metals data were converted to compare with dissolved metals criteria.
Data Reference: 2006 HCMP Database
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Santa Ana Region's Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments, or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) for freshwater aquatic life for copper. Numeric criterion varies with hardness.
Guideline 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
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Santa Ana River below Prado Dam.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 7/30/1972 to 8/16/2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data originated from an NPDES discharger in compliance with their monitoring and reporting program requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
77628
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Lead
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: There was no new data considered in the 2014 Listing Cycle, this previously made decision will carryover. The following description applies to an earlier Listing Cycle.

State Board Review and Conclusion:
The April 19, 2010 State Water Board staff report for the 2010 Integrated Report recommended to place this water body on the 303(d) list for lead based on the evaluation of existing data. State Water Board staff evaluated the lead data using a default CTR translator to translate the data from total recoverable to dissolved for comparison to the California Toxics Rule (CTR) criteria for lead.

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 with the CTR chronic criteria. Six of 18 samples exceed the CTR criteria.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Six of 18 samples exceed the California Toxics Rule chronic criteria 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.

At the June 15, 2010 State Water Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board directed staff to reevaluate the listing recommendation for this water body-pollutant combination. Based on this reevaluation, State Water Board staff continued to recommend to place this water body on the 303(d) list for lead.

At the August 4, 2010 State Water Board's follow-up Board meeting for approval of the 2010 Integrated Report, the State Water Board did not approve the State Water Board staff recommendation and instead recommended to not place this water body on the 303(d) list for lead..
 
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. 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 77628, Lead
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 31365
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of 18 samples exceed the CTR chronic criterion. Total metals data were converted to compare with dissolved metals criteria.
Data Reference: 2006 HCMP Database
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Santa Ana Region's Basin Plan Narrative Objective: The concentrations of toxic pollutants in the water column, sediments, or biota shall not adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) for freshwater aquatic life for lead. Numeric criterion varies with hardness.
Guideline 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
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Santa Ana River below Prado Dam.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 1/24/1978 to 8/16/2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data originated from an NPDES discharger in compliance with their monitoring and reporting program requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
95130
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section three (3) of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One (1) line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero (0) of the five hundred sixty-five (565) samples exceed the beneficial use criterion.

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 (0) of the five hundred sixty-five (565) samples exceed the beneficial use criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. However, the objective is based on a five-year moving average and it does not appear that the original assessment took this into consideration. Per the Basin Plan, the compliance with the TDS objective should be determined using the arithmetic mean of the five volume-weighted annual averages from the previous five years. The period in question would result in only 12 compliance values and not 595.
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 95130, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 8     
Santa Ana River, Reach 2
 
LOE ID: 82387
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 565 samples collected had no exceedences of the site-specific objective. Although the criterion/objective is specified above as a five year moving average, it does not appear that this was actually done. Compliance with the TDS objective would be determined using the arithmetic mean of the five volume-weighted annual averages from the previous five years. It would only be possible to calculate 12 compliance values and not 565. The number of samples was changed from 595 to 12 to account for the five year moving average.
Data Reference: Data for Metals and Other Inorganic Pollutants in Orange County Water District, 1994-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The site-pecific objective for Total Dissolved Solids at Santa Ana River, Reach 2 according to table 4-1 of the Santa Ana Basin plan is 650 mg/L. The Basin plan specifies that the data should be evaluated at this objective using five year moving averages.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan, Santa Ana River Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Data was collected from the SAR-BELOWDAM-01 and SAR-IMPERIAL-01 stations.
Temporal Representation: Data was collected approximately once a month from January 1994 to June 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the Orange County Water District Main Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual. November 2009.
QAPP Information Reference(s):