Draft California 2024 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
Water Body ID: CAO3151006020200702054742
Water Body Type: Ocean
 
DECISION ID
115340
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use and 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 evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use and 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 115340, 2-Methylnaphthalene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155043
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Methylnaphthalene, 2- .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for 2-methyl-naphthalene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for 2-methyl-naphthalene is 201.28 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115340, 2-Methylnaphthalene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155042
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Methylnaphthalene, 2- .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for 2-methyl-naphthalene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for 2-methyl-naphthalene is 201.28 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115326
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Antimony
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 2 samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information'.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the 2 samples exceed the evaluation guideline and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115326, Antimony
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151268
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Antimony .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The eavaluation gudieline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan 1990, and is 25 ug/g dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115326, Antimony
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151270
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Antimony .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The eavaluation gudieline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan 1990, and is 25 ug/g dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115327
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115327, Arsenic
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151277
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Arsenic .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995 and is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115327, Arsenic
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151148
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Arsenic .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995 and is the effects range median (ERM) value of 70 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115329
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115329, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151361
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benz(a)anthracene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Benz[a]anthrazene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Benz[a]anthrazene is 692.53 ug/Kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115329, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151137
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benz(a)anthracene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Benz[a]anthrazene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Benz[a]anthrazene is 692.53 ug/Kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115328
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115328, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151241
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benzo(a)pyrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Benzo[a]pyrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Benzo[a]pyrene is 763.22 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115328, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151237
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benzo(a)pyrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Benzo[a]pyrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Benzo[a]pyrene is 763.22 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115330
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support ratings are set to 'insufficient information'. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115330, Cadmium
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151674
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cadmium .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Cadmium from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Cadmium is 4.21 ug/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115330, Cadmium
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151469
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cadmium .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Cadmium from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Cadmium is 4.21 ug/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115331
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115331, Chlordane
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151986
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan, 1990, and is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value of 6 ng/g DW
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115331, Chlordane
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 152025
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long and Morgan, 1990, and is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value of 6 ng/g DW
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115342
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. 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 evaluation guideline for the warm freshwater habitat beneficial use. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115342, Chromium
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151855
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chromium .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 370 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115342, Chromium
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151794
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chromium .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 370 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115332
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115332, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 152208
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chrysene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Chrysene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Chrysene is 845.98 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115332, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 151779
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chrysene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Chrysene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Chrysene is 845.98 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115333
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 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 removal of the pollutant from the Section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use and 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 be removed from the CWA section 303(d) List.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use and use. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are 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 115333, Copper
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 152172
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Copper .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115333, Copper
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 152090
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Copper .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the effects range median (ERM) value of 270 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115334
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115334, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 153571
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dibenz(a,h)anthracene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value and is 260 PPB (ng/g) dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115334, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 153555
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dibenz(a,h)anthracene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, is the Effects Range Median (ERM) value and is 260 PPB (ng/g) dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115335
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status and the pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the section 303(d) List.

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

Zero of two sediment samples exceed the evaluation guideline used to interpret the narrative water quality objective for aquatic life protection. This sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported using table 3.1. Therefore, the use support rating is set to 'insufficient information.'

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115335, Lead
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154582
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lead .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Lead from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Lead is 112.18 mg/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115335, Lead
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154708
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lead .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Lead from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Lead is 112.18 mg/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
130750
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Two LOEs summarize sediment samples. Zero of two sediment samples exceed the mercury evaluation guideline (MacDonald et al., 2000a) set to protect for marine habitat beneficial uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130750, Mercury
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154587
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes form PTI Environmental Services, 1991, and is 2.1 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130750, Mercury
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154631
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes form PTI Environmental Services, 1991, and is 2.1 ug/g.
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
151987
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
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: Omega Aragonite is being assessed using Listing Policy section 3.11, a situation-specific weight of evidence approach. As additional research is needed to increase confidence that the data assessed reflect waterbody conditions, the LOEs for this pollutant are not used to place waterbodies on the CWA section 303(d) list. Instead, an exceedance of the mean Omega Aragonite threshold of <1.4 will indicate the beneficial use may be potentially threatened and the waterbody will be placed in Category 3 if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy for conventional or other pollutants.

Nine lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 9 samples exceed the Omega Aragonite threshold of <1.4.

The number of exceedances does not indicate impairment under Listing Policy section 3.2; however, insufficient information is available to determine if the beneficial use is fully supported for this waterbody-pollutant combination. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.

In order to make recommendations to list an ocean segment as impaired or to determine that the beneficial use is fully supported for ocean acidification using Omega Aragonite as an evaluation guideline, further research on the following points is needed to increase confidence that data assessed reflects waterbody conditions.
1. Impact of depth on aragonite saturation state, especially within the 0-200m range.
2. Timing in relation to data collection: Determining the number of days at a certain threshold for pteropod life stages.
3. Understanding natural aragonite saturation state levels in an upwelling state.
4. Seasonal variation and shift in dissolution rates.
 
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 the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: In order to make recommendations to list an ocean segment as impaired or to determine that the beneficial use is fully supported for ocean acidification using Omega Aragonite as an evaluation guideline, further research on the following points is needed to increase confidence that data assessed reflects waterbody conditions.
1. Impact of depth on aragonite saturation state, especially within the 0-200m range.
2. Timing in relation to data collection: Determining the number of days at a certain threshold for pteropod life stages.
3. Understanding natural aragonite saturation state levels in an upwelling state.
4. Seasonal variation and shift in dissolution rates.
 
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 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308587
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 CalCOFI data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceed (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) cruises for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station CalCofi_080.0 051.0b.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on7/20/2014.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Cooperative Ocean Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) bottle, cast, LTER, and zooplankton methodologies for collection of ocean acidification data. https://calcofi.org/sampling-info/methods/bottle-sampling-methods/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308589
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed CalCOFI data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceed (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) cruises for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station CalCofi_080.0 051.0d.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 4/15/2015.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Cooperative Ocean Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) bottle, cast, LTER, and zooplankton methodologies for collection of ocean acidification data. https://calcofi.org/sampling-info/methods/bottle-sampling-methods/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308585
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 NOAA West Coast ocean acidification data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the NOAA WCOA 2016 Ocean Acidification Cruise for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station WCOA2016_41.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 5/17/2016.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): NOAA West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise methods, discussion, metadata, and analysis for ocean acidification sampling of the Pacific Coast in 2016. Lead Investigators: Simone R. Alin and Richard A. Feely of NOAA PMEL. https://doi.org/10.7289/v5v40shg
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308588
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 CalCOFI data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceed (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) cruises for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station CalCofi_080.0 051.0c.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 1/27/2015.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Cooperative Ocean Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) bottle, cast, LTER, and zooplankton methodologies for collection of ocean acidification data. https://calcofi.org/sampling-info/methods/bottle-sampling-methods/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308576
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 NOAA West Coast ocean acidification data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the NOAA WCOA 2011 Ocean Acidification Cruise for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station WCOA2011_88.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 8/28/2011.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): NOAA West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise methods, discussion, metadata, and analysis for ocean acidification sampling of the Pacific Coast in 2011. Lead Investigators: Simone R. Alin and Richard A. Feely of NOAA PMEL. doi.org/10.7289/v5jq0xz1
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308590
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 CalCOFI data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceed (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) cruises for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station CalCofi_080.0 051.0e.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 7/19/2015.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Cooperative Ocean Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) bottle, cast, LTER, and zooplankton methodologies for collection of ocean acidification data. https://calcofi.org/sampling-info/methods/bottle-sampling-methods/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308586
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed CalCOFI data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 samples exceed (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) cruises for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station CalCofi_080.0 051.0a.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 4/13/2014.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Cooperative Ocean Fisheries Investigations (CALCOFI) bottle, cast, LTER, and zooplankton methodologies for collection of ocean acidification data. https://calcofi.org/sampling-info/methods/bottle-sampling-methods/
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308575
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 NOAA West Coast ocean acidification data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the NOAA WCOA 2011 Ocean Acidification Cruise for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station WCOA2011_87.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 8/28/2011.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): NOAA West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise methods, discussion, metadata, and analysis for ocean acidification sampling of the Pacific Coast in 2011. Lead Investigators: Simone R. Alin and Richard A. Feely of NOAA PMEL. doi.org/10.7289/v5jq0xz1
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151987, Omega Aragonite
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 308584
 
Pollutant: Omega Aragonite
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 NOAA West Coast ocean acidification data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. (Santa Barbara County) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded (<1.4) the impairment threshold for Omega Aragonite.
Data Reference: Aragonite saturation state (Omega Aragonite) data from the NOAA WCOA 2016 Ocean Acidification Cruise for the 2024 Integrated Report.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California SWRCB Marine Habitat Beneficial Use is defined as "Uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to,
preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g.,
marine mammals, shorebirds)." A beneficial use was chosen as the assessment criteria for ocean acdification as impacts due to Omega Aragonite can be from global and local sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Marine Habitat (MAR) Beneficial use definition for Regional and Statewide use. The California Water Boards' Annual Performance Report - Fiscal Year 13/14 (CA SWRCB, 2014).
 
Evaluation Guideline: The omega aragonite criterion for the protection of the marine habitat beneficial use is used to determine potential impairment of waterbodies due to ocean acidification; a threshold below 1.4 would indicate potential impairment of a waterbody. The omega aragonite saturation state is calculated by the product of the concentrations of dissolved calcium and carbonate ions divided by their product at equilibrium. Lower levels of omega aragonite are correlated with increased dissolution of pteropods (shell species) and a loss of marine life. In Bednaršek 2019, thresholds between 0.9 and 1.5 were found to indicate severe to mild shell dissolution of pteropods, with potential impairment indicated at approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 (for an overall threshold of 1.3) or below. A study conducted by Oregon State University concluded that the “maximum uncertainty of ±0.2 in the calculation of mean omega aragonite saturation state is required to adequately link changes in ocean chemistry to changes in ecosystem function” (McLaughlin 2015). Thus, the mean aragonite saturation state of 1.4 (1.2 ± 0.2), has been used for the assessment of omega aragonite data.
Guideline Reference: McLaughlin, K., Weisberg, S. B., Dickson, A. G., Hofmann, G. E., Newton, J. A., Aseltine-Neilson, D., ... & Steele, B. (2015). Core principles of the California Current Acidification Network: Linking chemistry, physics, and ecological effects. Oceanography, 28(2), 160-169. doi:10.5670/oceanog.2015.39
Guideline Reference: Bednaršek, N., R.A. Feely, E.L. Howes, B.P.V. Hunt, F. Kessouri, P. Leon, R. Lischka, A.E. Maas, K. McLaughlin, N.P. Nezlin, M. Sutula, S.B. Weisberg. 2019. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Toward Synthesis of Thresholds of Ocean Acidification Impacts on Calcifying Pteropods and Interactions With Warming. Frontiers in Marine Science 6:227.
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at Station WCOA2016_40.
Temporal Representation: One sample was collected on 5/17/2016.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The documents submitted meet the narrative and qualitative guidelines for QA submissions in Listing Policy 6.1.4.
QAPP Information Reference(s): NOAA West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise methods, discussion, metadata, and analysis for ocean acidification sampling of the Pacific Coast in 2016. Lead Investigators: Simone R. Alin and Richard A. Feely of NOAA PMEL. https://doi.org/10.7289/v5v40shg
 
 
DECISION ID
130680
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Six LOEs summarize sediment samples. Zero of six sediment samples exceed the total PAHs evaluation guideline (Long et al., 1995) set to protect for the marine 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. No sediment samples exceeded the evaluation guidelines set to protect marine habitat beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154794
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Low molecular weight PAHs .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Low molecular weight from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Low molecular weight is 1442 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154924
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Total PAHs is 1800 ug/g dw = Dry Weight (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155193
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: In marine and estuarine sediments the sediment quality guideline (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Total PAHs is 1800 ug/g dw = Dry Weight (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154793
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Low molecular weight PAHs .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Low molecular weight from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Low molecular weight is 1442 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154641
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for High molecular weight PAHs .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, and is 9600 ng/g dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 130680, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154661
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for High molecular weight PAHs .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, and is 9600 ng/g dw = Dry Weight
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115337
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the 303(d) List.

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

Zero of two sediment samples exceed the PCBs evaluation guideline set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. 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 the 2 sediment samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. 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 115337, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 154972
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from MacDonald et al., 2000b is the effects range median (ERM) value of 400 ng/g
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115337, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155040
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from MacDonald et al., 2000b is the effects range median (ERM) value of 400 ng/g
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115336
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115336, Phenanthrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155531
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Phenanthrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phenanthrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Phenanthrene is 543.53 ng/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115336, Phenanthrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155279
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Phenanthrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Phenanthrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Phenanthrene is 543.53 ng/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115338
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
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 3.6 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.

A total of two lines of evidence (LOEs) are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine habitat beneficial use. This sample size is insufficient to determine an applicable beneficial use support rating with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. In accordance with Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy, a minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported and a minimum of two exceedances is needed to determine if beneficial uses are not supported.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of the samples exceed the evaluation guidelines and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) List. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115338, Pyrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155356
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Pyrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Pyrene is 1397.4 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115338, Pyrene
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155357
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrene .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Pyrene from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Pyrene is 1397.4 ug/kg. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115339
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) List under section 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine 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 evaluation guideline for the marine 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 115339, Silver
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155580
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Silver from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Silver is 1.77 ug/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115339, Silver
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155596
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Silver .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Silver from MacDonald et al. 1996, which states that the probable effect level for Silver is 1.77 ug/g. (dw = Dry Weight)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
 
DECISION ID
115341
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment. The pollutant concentration in sediment must be associated with toxicity to result in addition of the pollutant to the Section 303(d) List.

A total of two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A total of zero of two samples exceed the evaluation guideline for the marine 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 evaluation guideline for the marine 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 115341, Zinc
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 156030
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Zinc .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, and is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9474.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 115341, Zinc
Region 3     
Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt.
 
LOE ID: 155955
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine 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 Southern California Bight Project 2013 data for Pacific Ocean, Pt. Arguello to Coal Oil Pt. to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 1 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Zinc .
Data Reference: Sediment data for the 2020/2022 integrated report in Region 3.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin
 
Evaluation Guideline: The value used in this assessment comes from Long et al., 1995, and is the effects range median value of 410 PPM (ug/g)
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): B13-9482.
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2013-09-23 to 2013-09-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bight Coastal Ecology Committee. 2013. Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2013 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 13) Quality Assurance Manual