# Draft 2008 California 303(d)/305(b) Integrated Report

# Supporting Information

## Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: | Soquel Creek
Water Body ID: | CAR3041301420020124145258
Water Body Type: | River & Stream

DECISION ID | 13019
Pollutant: | Ammonia (Unionized)
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 71 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the 71 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13019

LOE ID: | 9251
Pollutant: | Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9243
Pollutant: | Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 56
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 56 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 (General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries) states that the discharge of wastes shall not cause concentrations of unionized ammonia (NH3) to exceed 0.025 mg/l (as N) in receiving waters (page III-4) .
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11143
Pollutant: | Boron
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11143

LOE ID: | 9244
Pollutant: | Boron
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 50
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 50 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9252
Pollutant: | Boron
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. In addition, waters used for irrigation and livestock watering shall not exceed concentrations for those chemicals listed in Table 3.4 (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). Table 3-4 (page III-9) lists the maximum concentration for boron for irrigation supply is 0.75 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11144
Pollutant: | Chloride
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Six of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Six of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11144

LOE ID: | 9253
Pollutant: | Chloride
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9245
Pollutant: | Chloride
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 50
Number of Exceedances: | 6
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 50 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when chloride exceeds 106 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 13021
Pollutant: | Chlorophyll-a
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 77 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the 77 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (North Carolina Administrative code, Title 15A) and the General Water Quality Objective set to protect aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13021

LOE ID: | 12156
Pollutant: | Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| Water quality standards table
Evaluation Guideline: | North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: | North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 7/6/2001. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9254
Pollutant: | Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 16
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| Water quality standards table
Evaluation Guideline: | North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: | North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9246
Pollutant: | Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 60
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 60 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain biostimulatory substances in concentrations that promote aquatic growths to the extent that such growths cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses (general objective for biostimulatory substances, Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| Water quality standards table
Evaluation Guideline: | North Carolina Administrative code (NCAC), Title 15A - Environmental and Natural Resources, Subchapter 2B-Surface water and wetland standards, Rule 0211-Fresh surface water quality standards for class C waters (Class C is defined as freshwaters protected for secondary recreation, fishing, aquatic life including propagation and survival, and wildlife). Section 3(a) of Rule 0211 applies to all fresh surface waters and states that chlorophyll a is not to exceed 40 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: | North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
| North Carolina standards, criteria, or toxic concentrations. Adopted per title 15A North Carolina Administrative Code subchapter 2B - Surface water and wetland standards
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11146
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Thirteen of the 167 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Thirteen of the 167 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11146

LOE ID: | 19764
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 10
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17906
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(ms).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10307
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10345
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 9
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/22/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10380
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17608
Pollutant: | Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when conductivity exceeds 3.0 mS/cm in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11152
Pollutant: | Low Dissolved Oxygen
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Five of the 169 samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objective. Five of 8 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (when applied as a single sample maximum). 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. Five of the 169 samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11152

LOE ID: | 11896
Pollutant: | Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12119
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12139
Pollutant: | Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 11
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/22/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 18230
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12120
Pollutant: | Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: Median values should not fall below 85% saturation as a result of controllable water quality conditions.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17894
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 11895
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12138
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 11
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/22/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19723
Pollutant: | Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Dissolved
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 5
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Cold Water Habitat Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: The dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 7.0 mg/l at any time.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11151
Pollutant: | Nitrate
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Twelve lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of the 129 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective and 3 of the 129 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Four of the 129 samples exceed the Municipal and Domestic Supply water quality objective and 3 of the 129 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and neither of these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11151

LOE ID: | 18128
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 5
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill, 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 14016
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 43
Number of Exceedances: | 4
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 14015
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 43
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 43 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9248
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 57
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9247
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 57
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9224
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9255
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 18399
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 5
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill, 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17761
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17762
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19922
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when nitrate exceeds 30 mg/L NO3 as N in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-10/21/2002.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19937
Pollutant: | Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin Objective for municipal and domestic supply uses of inland surface waters (Section II.A.2) states the following: waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the limits specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Article 4, Chapter 15, Section 64435, Tables 2 and 3 as listed in Table 3-2. The maximum contaminant level listed in Table 3-2 (inorganic and fluoride concentrations not to be exceeded in domestic or municipal supply) for nitrate is 10.0 mg/L (NO3 as N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Title 22, Division 4, Ch. 15, Article 4, Section 64431, Table 64431-A
| Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-10/21/2002.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11142
Pollutant: | Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 99 samples exceed the exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the 99 samples exceed the exceed the Evaluation Guideline (EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level, 2006) applied to protect the Municipal & Domestic Supply beneficial use, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11142

LOE ID: | 19702
Pollutant: | Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 2
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Evaluation Guideline: | EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 10/10/2001-10/30/2001.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9242
Pollutant: | Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 57
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 57 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Evaluation Guideline: | EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9250
Pollutant: | Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Evaluation Guideline: | EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 13973
Pollutant: | Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 24
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 24 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Evaluation Guideline: | EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 10/21/2003-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17836
Pollutant: | Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia As N, Total.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Health Advisory 2006 Edition of the Drinking Water Standards and Health Advisories (EPA 822-R-06-013, 2006).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Evaluation Guideline: | EPA's Lifetime Health advisory level for total ammonia is 30.0 mg/L as stated on page 8 of the 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. This Advisory Level is defined as "the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that is not expected to cause any adverse noncarcinogenic effects for up to ten days of exposure."
Guideline Reference: | 2006 edition of the drinking water standards and health advisories. EPA 822-R-03-013
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11154
Pollutant: | Salinity
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 76 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. None of the 76 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11154

LOE ID: | 12121
Pollutant: | Salinity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Salinity.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when salinity exceeds 3.0 ppt in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12154
Pollutant: | Salinity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 3
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Salinity.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when salinity exceeds 3.0 ppt in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/29/2001. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 11897
Pollutant: | Salinity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Salinity.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when salinity exceeds 3.0 ppt in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11155
Pollutant: | Sodium
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Seven of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Seven of the 65 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11155

LOE ID: | 9249
Pollutant: | Sodium
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 50
Number of Exceedances: | 6
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 50 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 9225
Pollutant: | Sodium
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Sodium.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when sodium exceeds 69 mg/L in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11156
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Four of the 170 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use. 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. Four of the 170 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Moyle 1976) applied to protect the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use, and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11156

LOE ID: | 11899
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12153
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 11
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 11 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/22/2006. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17434
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19570
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 77
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 77 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 18614
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12137
Pollutant: | Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Natural receiving water temperature of intrastate waters shall not be altered unless it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Regional Board that such alteration in temperature does not adversely affect beneficial uses (General Objective in Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Inland Fishes of California (Moyle 1976) states that for rainbow trout the optimum range for growth and completion of most life stages is 13-21 degrees C (page 129).
Guideline Reference: | Inland Fishes of California
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11158
Pollutant: | pH
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
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Thirty lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Ten of 165 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, 5 of 165 samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objective and 16 of 165 samples exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. 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. Ten of 165 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, 5 of 165 samples exceed the Cold Freshwater Habitat water quality objective and 16 of 165 samples exceed the numeric objective for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. None of these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11158

LOE ID: | 10383
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10384
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10346
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 7
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/30/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10347
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 7
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/30/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10326
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10327
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 7
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17432
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17446
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17447
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17448
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10325
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 6
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10401
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 5
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10400
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 5
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10399
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 5
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10365
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 7
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/30/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10364
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 7
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/30/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10363
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 7
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels, 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/30/2005. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10344
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 7
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10343
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 7
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17431
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19052
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19053
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19868
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19035
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19851
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19033
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19034
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 8
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 General Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries states the following: For waters not mentioned by a specific beneficial use, the pH value shall not be depressed below 7.0 or raised above 8.5.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth, 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/6/2006. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19867
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 nor raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19866
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Section II.A.2. Municipal and Domestic Supply Objectives, Section II.A.2.a states the following: The pH value shall neither be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.3.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19850
Pollutant: | pH
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Agricultural Supply
Number of Samples: | 76
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 76 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts which adversely affect the agricultural beneficial use. Interpretation of adverse effect shall be as derived from the University of California Agricultural Extension Service guidelines provided in Table 3-3 (Central Coast Waterboard Basin Plan, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland and Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries). In Table 3-3 of the Basin Plan (page III-8), water quality guidelines state that severe problems may occur when pH is greater than 8.4 or less than 6.5 in irrigation supply water.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 6/11/1998-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11148
Pollutant: | Enterococcus
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Collection System Failure | Natural Sources | Transient encampments | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: | 2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eight of the 39 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective but none of the 39 samples exceed the Non-Contact Recreation water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Eight of the 39 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective and this exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11148

LOE ID: | 14216
Pollutant: | Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 39
Number of Exceedances: | 8
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 8 of 39 samples exceed the EPA criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for Enterococci in freshwater is 61 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15).
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge].
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected monthly over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 14217
Pollutant: | Enterococcus
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 39
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Enterococci.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. Enterococcus is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11149
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Collection System Failure | Natural Sources | Onsite Wastewater Systems (Septic Tanks) | Transient encampments | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: | 2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. A TMDL for Pathogens in Soquel Lagoon was approved by the Central Coast Regional Board on March 21st, 2008. However, the Central Coast Regional Board Executive Officer withdrew the TMDL due to comments from the State Water Resources Control Board. The TMDL is being reheard at the March 20, 2009 Central Coast Regional Board Meeting. Ten lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Ninety-seven of 177 samples exceeded the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11149

LOE ID: | 10323
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 26
Number of Exceedances: | 9
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 26 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10324
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 26
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 26 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 18318
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 6
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill, 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19826
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 91
Number of Exceedances: | 65
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 65 of 91 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/2/2001-8/14/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 18319
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 6
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Volunteer Monitoring Network Data. 2003-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304-SOQUE-21 - Soquel Creek At Nob Hill, 304-SOQUE-22 - Soquel Creek At Mouth]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/17/2003-5/7/2005. Coastal Watershed Council Snapshot Day Monitoring is conducted annually.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | State Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10381
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 14073
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 39
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 14072
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 39
Number of Exceedances: | 20
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program (R3_CCLEAN) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 39 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCLEAN (Central Coast Long Term Environmental Assessment Program data) Water Quality Data
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria -1986.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Evaluation Guideline: | Single sample maximum allowable density for E. coli in freshwater is 235 MPN/100mL (as stated in Table 4, page 15)
Guideline Reference: | Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ_CCL - Soquel Creek at RR Bridge]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/25/2002-6/20/2005.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | EPA Approved QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10382
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19842
Pollutant: | Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 91
Number of Exceedances: | 5
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 91 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml. E. coli is a fecal coliform.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/2/2001-8/14/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 11150
Pollutant: | Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Collection System Failure | Natural Sources | Onsite Wastewater Systems (Septic Tanks) | Transient encampments | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
Expected TMDL Completion Date: | 2011
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.3 of the Listing Policy. A TMDL for Pathogens in Soquel Lagoon was approved by the Central Coast Regional Board on March 21st, 2008. However, the Central Coast Regional Board Executive Officer withdrew the TMDL due to comments from the State Water Resources Control Board. The TMDL is being reheard at the March 20, 2009 Central Coast Regional Board Meeting. Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.3 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Twenty-one of 73 samples exceeded the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Note that 32 of these 73 samples were collected in the Lagoon and of these 32 samples, 11 exceeded the Water Contact Recreation water quality objective. Therefore this decision supports the listing of Soquel Lagoon for pathogens. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 11150

LOE ID: | 10305
Pollutant: | Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 20
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 20 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10367
Pollutant: | Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10366
Pollutant: | Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Water Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for water contact recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 MPN/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 MPN/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 10306
Pollutant: | Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Non-Contact Recreation
Number of Samples: | 58
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 58 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin objective for non-contact water recreation uses (Section II.A.2. Objectives for All Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries, II.A.2.a) states the following: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 2000/100 ml, nor shall more than ten percent of samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4000/100 ml.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Nob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 13022
Pollutant: | Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: | 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.1 and 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.2 the site exceeded numeric objectives for conventional pollutants. According to the binomial distribution, waters shall be placed on the section 303(d) list if the number of measured exceedances supports rejection of the null hypothesis as presented in Table 3.2. In addition, A recent publication (Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Resources South of the Golden Gate, California (Becker, G.S and I.J Reining, October 2008) identifies Soquel Creek (and Lagoon) as having "Definite run or population" and specifically states the following: A mark and recapture study conducted in the lagoon in 2006 produced 992 individuals and a spawning survey conducted in 2002 documented redds and evidence of successful reproduction in lower Soquel Creek. Therefore this turbidity guideline is relevant to the waterbody. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Twenty-four of 143 samples exceeded the water quality objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 13022

LOE ID: | 12155
Pollutant: | Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 3
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Diurnal Dissolved Oxygen Sampling (DO) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: | Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 7/6/2001-8/29/2001. Diurnal monitoring conducted in summer months at all CCAMP monitoring sites.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 11898
Pollutant: | Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 9
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Pajaro (Pajaro) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: | Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SOU-Soquel Creek at Soquel Creek Road]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 1/19/2005-3/9/2006. Pajaro watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 17619
Pollutant: | Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 1
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file A
| Final Data File used for assessment: Marc Los Huertos Water Quality Data, file B
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: | Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ SQ-PRE]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected on a single day 8/23/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | Regional Board approved QAPP. Multiple errors were identified in data and were flagged or fixed by RB staff (in communication with Project staff) prior to assessment of data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 12136
Pollutant: | Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 51
Number of Exceedances: | 6
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Coastal Confluences (CC) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 51 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
| Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: | Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ 304SOK-Soquel Creek at Knob Hill, 304SOQ-Soquel Creek Lagoon at RR trussels]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 5/1/2001-12/18/2006. CCAMP Coastal confluence monitoring is conducted monthly (with the exception of April 2003 - December 2003) and is ongoing.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 19231
Pollutant: | Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Cold Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 79
Number of Exceedances: | 16
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Monitoring Program (R3_SCCEH) data for Soquel Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 16 of 79 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: | Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1971-1996
| Final Data File used for assessment: Santa Cruz County Environmental Health data 1997-2006
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
Evaluation Guideline: | Sigler et al. (1984) states that turbidities of 25 NTU's or greater caused reduction in juvenile salmonid growth due to interference with their ability to find food.
Guideline Reference: | Effects of chronic turbidity on density and growth of steelheads and coho salmon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 113:142-150
Spatial Representation: | Data for this line of evidence for Soquel Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 304SQF_SCC - SOQUEL CR at FLUME OUTLET]
Temporal Representation: | Data was collected over the time period 12/11/2001-4/25/2006.
Environmental Conditions: | Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: | This monitoring program has been underway for thirty years, with changes over time to protocols, level of QA, and documentation. In general, QA documentation included with the dataset is minimal. However, data quality appears to be reasonably good.
QAPP Information Reference(s):