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

# Supporting Information

## Regional Board 5 - Central Valley Region

Water Body Name: | Morrison Creek
Water Body ID: | CAR5191100019980817123042
Water Body Type: | River & Stream

DECISION ID | 4449
Pollutant: | Chlorpyrifos
Final Listing Decision: | Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2006)
Revision Status | Revised
Reason for Delisting: | State determines water quality standard is being met
TMDL Name: | Sacramento Area Urban Creeks TMDLs
TMDL Project Code: | 194
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: | 11/30/2004
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section 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. One of samples exceeded the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. One of 36 available 4-day average concentrations exceeded the 4-day average maximum concentration criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. In addition, 0 of 41 available 1-hour average concentrations exceeded the 1-day average concentration criterion and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 4449

LOE ID: | 23049
Pollutant: | Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 15
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | 39 water samples were collected from Morrison Creek from December 2003 to April 2007, representing 15 4-day average concentrations and 15 1-hour average concentrations. 24 samples were not used. 0 of 15 available 4-day average concentrations exceeded the 4-day maximum concentration guideline of 0.015 ug/L.0 of 15 available 1-hour average concentrations exceeded the maximum 1-hour chlorpyrifos concentration of 0.025 ug/L. 24 samples had detection limit of 0.05 ug/L, that is higher than the water quality criteria 0.015 and 0.025 ug/L, so the samples were not used in this analysis.
Data Reference: | Sacramento River watershed program (SRWP) water quality database. Davis, CA
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CVRWQCB, 2007).All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (CVRWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
| Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | California Department of Fish and Game Hazard Assessment Criteria - 0.015 ug/L 4-day average and 0.025 ug/L 1-hour average (Siepmann and Finlayson, 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from Morrison Creek at two locations: Brookfield and Sunrise Blvd.
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected at variable intervals (e.g. weekly, monthly) from December 2003 to April 2007.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Quality Assurance Project Plan for Monitoring for the Sacramento River Watershed Program as Amended for Monitoring Year 2001-2002.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 2633
Pollutant: | Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 19
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Chlorpyrifos was detected 30 percent of the time at the Franklin Blvd. monitoring site, but was never detected at the upstream, rural Morrison Creek monitoring site near Sunrise Blvd. Eight samples were collected in 2001; all were non-detects. In 2003, 19 samples were taken; 3 samples at the Franklin Blvd site exceeded the CDFG criteria (Spector et al., 2004).
Data Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The narrative pesticide objectives state, in part: - No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses, - Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses, - Pesticide concentrations shall not exceed those allowable by applicable antidegradation policies, and - Pesticide concentrations shall not exceed the lowest levels technically and economically achievable. The Basin Plan narrative water quality objective for toxicity states that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Evaluation Guideline: | CDFG Hazard Assessment Criteria 25 ng/L 1-hour average.
Guideline Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Spatial Representation: | The two monitoring sites that were monitored in 2003 are Morrison Creek near Sunrise Boulevard and Morrison Creek at Franklin Boulevard. In 2001, Morrison Creek was monitored by Regional Board staff at three sites - at Sunrise Boulevard, at Hedge Road, and at Franklin Boulevard. Samples were collected beneath the water surface as near as possible to the center of the stream when water levels were low or when access was only possible from the bank. Otherwise, three to four grab samples were collected as one integrated grab sample. Based on comments received from the Regional Board the extent of impairment will be changed to Elk Grove-Florin Road to Beach Lake, not Stone Lake as requested in the comments received. Morrison Creek does not go to Stone Lake.
Temporal Representation: | Storm events were sampled during the orchard dormant spray season months of January and February 2001 and 2002, and January through April 2003, to determine pesticide concentrations in rain and creeks during and after the orchard dormant spray season.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | During each monitoring season, additional samples were collected for quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) purposes. Four types of quality assurance samples were collected to confirm the integrity of analytical results reported in this three-year monitoring study. The QA/QC samples included sample duplicates, equipment blanks, matrix spikes, and matrix spike duplicates. The procedures used for collecting the QA/QC samples are based on the San Joaquin River TMDL Quality Assurance Project Plan. During this 2001-2003 study, approximately 15-25 percent of the samples collected were either equipment blanks, sample duplicates, or matrix spikes and matrix spike duplicates.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 23048
Pollutant: | Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 21
Number of Exceedances: | 1
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | 28 water samples were collected from Morrison Creek from February 2001 through April 2003, representing 21 4-day average concentrations and 26 1-hour average concentrations. 2 samples were not used1 of 21 available 4-day average concentrations exceeded the 4-day maximum concentration guideline of 0.015 ug/L. 0 of 26 available 1-hour average concentrations exceeded the maximum 1-hour chlorpyrifos concentration of 0.025 ug/L.2 samples were not meeting the CDFA lab acceptance criterion range of 70 - 130 percent, so the samples were not used in this analysis.
Data Reference: | Concentrations of pesticides in Sacramento metropolitan area rainwater and creeks during the 2001, 2002, 2003 orchard dormant spray season. Rancho Cordova, CA: Central Valley RWQCB
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CVRWQCB, 2007).All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (CVRWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
| Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | California Department of Fish and Game Hazard Assessment Criteria - 0.015 ug/L 4-day average and 0.025 ug/L 1-hour average (Siepmann and Finlayson, 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from Morrison Creek at three sites: Sunrise Boulevard, Hedge Avenue, and Franklin Boulevard.
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected at variable intervals (e.g. 3 days, 5 days, two weeks) from February 2001 through April 2003.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Spector, Christy, Joe Karkoski, and Gene Davis. 2004. Concentrations of Pesticides in Sacramento Metropolitan Area Rainwater and Creeks during the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Orchard Dormant Spray Seasons.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 5113
Pollutant: | Diazinon
Final Listing Decision: | Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2006)
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Agriculture
TMDL Name: | Sacramento Area Urban Creeks TMDLs
TMDL Project Code: | 194
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: | 01/01/2003
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: | Pollutant
Weight of Evidence: | This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. On October 25, 2006 the State Water Resources Control Board placed this water body pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list because it was in the opinion of the Regional Water Quality Control Board that standards were not met. The Sacramento Area Urban Creeks TMDLs have been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard 4. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: | After review of the available data and information for this recommendation, SWRCB staff has decided to keep this water body on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed category because standards have not been met.
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5113

LOE ID: | 23066
Pollutant: | Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 23
Number of Exceedances: | 4
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | 28 water samples were collected from Morrison Creek from February 2001 through April 2003, representing 23 4-day average concentrations and 28 1-hour average concentrations. 4 of 23 available 4-day average concentrations exceeded the 4-day maximum concentration guideline of 0.10 ug/L. 0 of 28 available 1-hour average concentrations exceeded the maximum 1-hour concentration of 0.16 ug/L.
Data Reference: | Concentrations of pesticides in Sacramento metropolitan area rainwater and creeks during the 2001, 2002, 2003 orchard dormant spray season. Rancho Cordova, CA: Central Valley RWQCB
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CVRWQCB, 2007).All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (CVRWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
| Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | California Fish and Game Hazard Assessment Criteria - 0.160 ug/L 1-hour average and 0.100 ug/L 4-day average concentration not to be exceeded more than once every three years (Siepmann and Finlayson, 2000 and Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from Morrison Creek at three sites: Sunrise Boulevard, Hedge Avenue, and Franklin Boulevard.
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected at variable intervals (e.g. 3-day, 5- day, biweek) from February 2001 through April 2003.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Data quality: Good. Concentrations of Pesticides in Sacramento Metropolitan Area Rainwater and Creeks during the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Orchard Dormant Spray Season
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 23067
Pollutant: | Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 32
Number of Exceedances: | 4
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | 39 water samples were collected from Morrison Creek from December 2003 to April 2007, representing 32 4-day average concentrations and 39 1-hour average concentrations. 4 of 32 available 4-day average concentrations exceeded the 4-day maximum concentration guideline of 0.10 ug/L.5 of 39 available 1-hour average concentrations exceeded the maximum 1-hour concentration of 0.16 ug/L.
Data Reference: | Sacramento River watershed program (SRWP) water quality database. Davis, CA
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses (CVRWQCB, 2007).All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (CVRWQCB, 2007).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
| Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | California Fish and Game Hazard Assessment Criteria - 0.160 ug/L 1-hour average and 0.100 ug/L 4-day average concentration not to be exceeded more than once every three years (Siepmann and Finlayson, 2000 and Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: | Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from Morrison Creek at two locations: Brookfield and Sunrise Blvd.
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected at variable intervals (e.g. weekly, monthly) from December 2003 to April 2007.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Evaluation of additional pesticides monitoring data- 2007 update, Memorandum Brian M. Laurenson sent to Delia McGrath, City of Sacramento.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
LOE ID: | 2635
Pollutant: | Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 28
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Out of 28 samples, none were in exceedance (Spector et al., 2004).
Data Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The narrative pesticide objectives state, in part: - No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses, - Discharges shall not result in pesticide concentrations in bottom sediments or aquatic life that adversely affect beneficial uses, - Pesticide concentrations shall not exceed those allowable by applicable antidegradation policies, and - Pesticide concentrations shall not exceed the lowest levels technically and economically achievable. The Basin Plan narrative water quality objective for toxicity states that all waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Evaluation Guideline: | CDFG Hazard Assessment Criteria 0.16 ug/L 1-hour average (Siepman & Finlayson, 2000; Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: | Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
Spatial Representation: | The two monitoring sites that were monitored in 2003 are Morrison Creek near Sunrise Boulevard and Morrison Creek at Franklin Boulevard. In 2001, Morrison Creek was monitored by Regional Board staff at three sites - at Sunrise Boulevard, at Hedge Road, and at Franklin Boulevard. Samples were collected beneath the water surface as near as possible to the center of the stream when water levels were low or when access was only possible from the bank. Otherwise, three to four grab samples were collected as one integrated grab sample.
Temporal Representation: | Storm events were sampled during the orchard dormant spray season months of January and February 2001 and 2002, and January through April 2003, to determine pesticide concentrations in rain and creeks during and after the orchard dormant spray season.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | During each monitoring season, additional samples were collected for quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) purposes. Four types of quality assurance samples were collected to confirm the integrity of analytical results reported in this three-year monitoring study. The QA/QC samples included sample duplicates, equipment blanks, matrix spikes, and matrix spike duplicates. The procedures used for collecting the QA/QC samples are based on the San Joaquin River TMDL Quality Assurance Project Plan. During this 2001-2003 study, approximately 15-25 percent of the samples collected were either equipment blanks, sample duplicates, or matrix spikes and matrix spike duplicates.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 12841
Pollutant: | Bis(2ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
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. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the four samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule water quality limits for human health, consumption of water and aquatic organisms (1.8 µg/L). Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is not 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. Two of four samples exceed the water quality objective listed in the California Toxics Rule and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. However these data were estimated concentrations, therefore it cannot be determined if standards were exceeded. 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 12841

LOE ID: | 25653
Pollutant: | Bis(2ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | None
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 4
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Four samples were taken from Morrison Creek between December 2003 and October 2006. Two of the four samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule water quality standard for human health (consumption of water and aquatic organisms). The exceedances were documented in samples collected on 19 October 2004 and 5 October 2006. The data used in this assessment were monitoring data submitted as required by the Waste Discharge Requirements for County of Sacramento and Cities of Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Galt, and Sacramento Storm Water Discharges from Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, Sacramento County (NPDES # CAS082597). Sacramento Stormwater Urban Tributaries. Data obtained from B. Laurenson (Larry Walker Associates) on 18 June 2008.
Data Reference:
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. The objective applies regardless of whether the toxicity is caused by a single substance or the interactive effect of multiple substances.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | The California Toxics Rule water quality standard for Bis(2ethylhexyl)phthalate: Human Health for consumption of water and organisms is 1.8 ug/L (or ppb) (USEPA 2000).
Guideline Reference: | Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
Spatial Representation: | Samples were collected from Morrison Creek at Brookfield Drive, in Sacramento County.
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected on 14 December 2003, 19 October 2004, 1 December 2005, and 5 October 2006.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Monitoring was conducted in accordance the Monitoring and Reporting Program Requirements stipulated in Order No. R5-2002-0206 (NPDES No. CAS082597) (CVRWQCB 2002).
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 14851
Pollutant: | Simazine
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. Two daily-averaged sample results exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. Two of 46 daily-averaged simazine sample reults exceeded the California Department of Public Health Primary MCL for simazine in drinking water of 4 ug/L, 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 it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 14851

LOE ID: | 26165
Pollutant: | Simazine
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 20
Number of Exceedances: | 0
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Twenty water samples were analyzed for simazine under the Sacramento Urban Creek Pesticide TMDL program. Ten water samples were collected each from Morrison Creek at Sunrise Boulevard and at Franklin Boulevard. None of the samples contained simazine at levels above the Primary MCL for simazine (4 ug/L).
Data Reference: | Concentrations of pesticides in Sacramento metropolitan area rainwater and creeks during the 2001, 2002, 2003 orchard dormant spray season. Rancho Cordova, CA: Central Valley RWQCB
| Zipped file of Central Valley Waterways Pesticide TMDL monitoring data spreadsheets and reports
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The California Department of Pubic Health Primary Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for simazine is 4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
| California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/Lawbook.aspx
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Water samples that were analyzed for simazine under the Sacramento Urban Creek Pesticide TMDL program were collected from Morrison Creek at Sunrise Boulevard and at Franklin Boulevard.
Temporal Representation: | Water samples that were analyzed for simazine under the Sacramento Urban Creek Pesticide TMDL program were collected from Morrison Creek at Sunrise Boulevard and at Franklin Boulevard on: January 23, 2003; February 13, 16, 19, 2003; March 15, 20, 23, 2003; and April 4, 13, 24, 2003.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Data quality: Good. Calanchini, H. 2006. Quality Assurance Project Plan, Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta TMDL Monitoring for Organophosphorus Pesticides and Other Pesticides Identified as Posing a High Risk to Surface Waters. John Muir Institute of the Environment, U.C. Davis. Davis, CA.
QAPP Information Reference(s): | Quality Assurance Project Plan. Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta TMDL Monitoring for Organophosphorus Pesticides and Other Pesticides Identified as Posing a High Risk to Surface Waters. Final. SWAMP Project ID 02TM5001 (Revision 0.0). John Muir Institute of the Environment, U.C. Davis. Davis, CA. January 26, 2006
LOE ID: | 26166
Pollutant: | Simazine
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Municipal & Domestic Supply
Number of Samples: | 26
Number of Exceedances: | 2
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Thirty water samples (including two duplicate water samples)were collected under the City of Sacramento urban tributary stormwater monitoring program and analyzed for simazine, representing 28 daily-averaged simazine concentration measurements. Two of the samples had method detection limits (5 ug/L) that are higher that the water quality objective for simazine in drinking water (Primary MCL = 4 ug/L). In accordance with Section 6.1.5.5 of the Listing policy, these two samples were not included in this assessment. Two of the 26 usable water sample results for simazine were above the water quality objective for simazine (4 ug/L). These samples were collected from Morrison Creek at Brookfield Drive on January 25 and February 17, 2005.
Data Reference: | Concentrations of pesticides in Sacramento metropolitan area rainwater and creeks during the 2001, 2002, 2003 orchard dormant spray season. Rancho Cordova, CA: Central Valley RWQCB
| Zipped file of Central Valley Waterways Pesticide TMDL monitoring data spreadsheets and reports
| Sacramento stormwater urban tributary NPDES permit monitoring data, 2003 to 2007
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | The California Department of Pubic Health Primary Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for simazine is 4 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
| California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/Lawbook.aspx
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Water samples that were analyzed for simazine under the City of Sacramento urban tributary stormwater monitoring program were collected from Morrison Creek at Sunrise Boulevard (7 water samples) and at Brookfield Drive (23 water samples, with two duplicate water samples and, therefore, representing 21 simazine concentration measurements).
Temporal Representation: | Water samples from Morrison Creek at Sunrise Boulevard that were analyzed for simazine under the City of Sacramento urban tributary stormwater monitoring program were collected on: February 2 and 18, 2004; April 13, 2004; January 28, 2005; February 15, 2005; April 12, 2005; and February 7, 2006. Water samples from Morrison Creek at Brookfield Drive that were analyzed for simazine under the City of Sacramento urban tributary stormwater monitoring program were collected on: December 14, 2003; February 2 and 18, 2004; April 13, 2004; October 6, 17, 19, 21, and 22, 2004; January 25, 28, 29, and 30, 2005; February 15, 16, and 17, 2005; April 12, 2005; December 1, 2005; February 7, 2006; and October 5, 2006.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Data quality: Unknown. Probably adequate, ad the samples were collected under a NPDES permit.
QAPP Information Reference(s): | Sacramento stormwater urban tributary NPDES permit monitoring data, 2003 to 2007

DECISION ID | 14389
Pollutant: | Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
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 section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. Three of samples exceed the CTR for pentachlorophenol of 0.28 ug/L, and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: |
USEPA Decision: |

Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 14389

LOE ID: | 26106
Pollutant: | Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Water
Matrix: | Water
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 4
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Four water samples were collected from Morrison Creek between December 2003 and October 2006 for the City of Sacramento urban tributary stormwater permit. Three of the 4 water samples contained pentachlorphenol at concentrations that exceeded the criterion of 0.28 ug/L.
Data Reference: | Sacramento stormwater urban tributary NPDES permit monitoring data, 2003 to 2007
| Evaluation of Additional Pesticide Monitoring Data - 2007 Update
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | USEPA numeric criterion of 0.28 ug/L for human health protection (10-6 risk of carcinogens).
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
Evaluation Guideline: |
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Water samples were collected from Morrison Creek at Brookfield Drive.
Temporal Representation: | Water samples were collected yearly between December 2003 and June 2006.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | Data Quality: Unknown.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

DECISION ID | 12619
Pollutant: | Pyrethroids
Final Listing Decision: | List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: | New Decision
Revision Status | Revised
Sources: | Agriculture | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
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 section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. One lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Three of the samples exceed the water quality objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. Three of 5 samples exceed the narrative toxicity objective due to occurrences of statistically significant sediment toxicity and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Sediment-bound pyrethroid pesticide concentrations were used to calculate toxic units (TUs) of multiple pyrethroid pesticides observed in sediments. Pyrethroid TU analyses correlated with distribution and magnitude of toxicity. 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 12619

LOE ID: | 25581
Pollutant: | Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: | Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: | Sediment
Fraction: | Total
Beneficial Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: | Warm Freshwater Habitat
Number of Samples: | 5
Number of Exceedances: | 3
Data and Information Type: | PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: | Three of five sediment toxicity testing samples violated the narrative toxicity objective. The three toxic (Mean mortality + standard deviation) sediment samples were collected from:Morrison Creek at Franklin Boulevard10/28/04: 36+11.98/14/05: 38+24.98/23/05: 41+20.3Toxicity observations were associated with pyrethroid pesticides. LC50s for sediment-bound pyrethroids were used in this study as toxicity threshold benchmarks in a Toxic Unit (TU) analysis normalized to organic carbon content. The TU analysis of Morrison Creek sediment samples demonstrated that the three toxic samples had pyrethroid pesticide concentrations that would be expected to be acutely toxic. Sediment samples collected from Morrison Creek had an average of 1.36 3.52 TUs of pyrethroid pesticides. Bifenthrin appears to play a dominant role in the toxicity observations, but was not the only pyrethroid found in toxic sediment samples. Other pyrethroids observed in the toxic samples from Morrison Creek included cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin. LC50 concentrations for a 10-day exposure of Hyalella azteca to pyrethroid contaminated sediments were determined by Amweg et al., 2005. (Amweg, E.L., D.P. Weston, and N.M Ureda. 2005. Use and toxicity of pyrethroid pesticides in the Central Valley, California, U.S.A. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 24:966-972 (with correction in Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 24:1300-1301)).
Data Reference: | Five reports and 1 abstract (all PDFs) for SWAMP studies in the Lower Sacramento River: "R5SWAMP04-05_1.pdf" [Weston, D.P, R.W. Holmes, J. You, and M.J. Lydy. 2005. Aquatic toxicity due to residential use of pyrethroid insecticides. Environmental Science and Technology 39 (Dec. 15): 9778-9784.] "rb5_sedimentchem_rptmain.pdf" [Holmes, R.W. 2004. Monitoring of Sediment-bound Contaminants In the Lower Sacramento River Watershed Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Lower Sacramento River Watershed, Final Report. Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. July 2004.]; "Sac_River_Benthic_Rpt.pdf" [Holmes, R.W., V. de Vlaming, D. Markiewicz, and K. Goding. 2005. Benthic Macroinvertebrate Colonization on Artificial Substrates in Agriculture-dominated Waterways of the Lower Sacramento River Watershed, Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Lower Sacramento River Watershed. Regional Water Quality Control Board-Central Valley Region and U.C. Davis Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine. June 2005.]; "Sac_River_BioReport_Final.pdf" [V. de Vlaming, D. Markiwiecz, K. Goding, T. Kimball, and R. Holmes. Macroinvertebrate Assemblages in Agriculture- and Effluent-dominated Waterways of the Lower Sacramento River Watershed. Regional Water Quality Control Board-Central Valley Region, Moss Landing Laboratories, and U.C. Davis Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine.]; "sedimentchem.pdf" [R. W. Holmes. Monitoring of Sediment-bound Contaminants In the Lower Sacramento River Watershed Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) Lower Sacramento River Watershed, Final Report. Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region. July 2004.]; "SWAMP03-04zooplankton_1.pdf" [V. de Vlaming, K. Goding, D. Markiwiecz, R. Wallace, and R. Holmes. Survey of Zooplankton Community Structure and Abundance in Agriculture-dominated Waterways in the Lower Sacramento River Watershed. Regional Water Quality Control Board-Central Valley Region and U.C. Davis Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory and School of Veterinary Medicine. May 2006.]
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: | No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. (CRWQCB, 2006)All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (CRWQCB, 2006)
Objective/Criterion Reference: | Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. Water Quality Control Plan (Basin Plan) for the California Regional Water Quality Control Board - Central Valley Region
Evaluation Guideline: | Statistically significant difference from control sediment using Dunnetts test in 10-day Hyalella azteca sediment toxicity tests. Arcsin squareroot transformation was used when necessary to meet the assumptions of normality and homogeneity of variance. Steels test was used for comparison to control if these assumptions were not met after transformation.
Guideline Reference:
Spatial Representation: | Five samples were collected from Morrison Creek at Franklin Boulevard on different occasions (October 15, 2004; October 28, 2004; March 10, 2005; August 14, 2005; and August 22, 2005). Sediment toxicity was observed from three (October 28, 2004; August 14, 2005; and August 22, 2005) of the five samples. Sample location:Morrison Creek at Franklin Boulevard
Temporal Representation: | Samples were collected August 2004 August 2005.
Environmental Conditions: |
QAPP Information: | SWAMP QAMP protocols were followed (Puckett, 2002). UC Berkeley prepared approved QAPPs (SRWP 2004 and 2005). Data quality requirements acceptable.
QAPP Information Reference(s):