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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 3 - Central Coast Region

Water Body Name: Gabilan Creek
Water Body ID: CAR3091900019990304092345
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
5995
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess delisting status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two lines of evidence are assessed: LOE 3948 is a placeholder and contains no information. It is replaced by LOE 10849 because LOE 10849 contains all of the information used to make the original listing decision, as well as additional information collected between January 2005 and December 2006. Ten of 12 samples exceed the Water Contact Recreation Objective. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Twenty-two of 72 samples exceeded the Water Contact Recreation Objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
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: N/A
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5995
 
LOE ID: 3948
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10850
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10849
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Coliform, Fecal.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
5504
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
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.

The pollutant name was changed from Nitrate as NO3 to Nitrate. This has not changed the decision.

Seventeen lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. However, LOE #1883 is disregarded because LOE #9547 contains all of the data in LOE #1883 as well as additional data collected in 2006.

Eleven LOEs are used to assess the Municipal and Domestic Supply Beneficial Use. Forty-two of the 339 Nitrate (as N) samples exceed the water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. In addition, 7 of the 9 Nitrate+Nitrite samples exceed the OEHHA Public Health Goal in Drinking Water (December 1997) as it applies to the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use.

Five LOEs are used to assess the Warm Freshwater Habitat Beneficial Use. A total of 133 out of the 339 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline for Nitrate established for aquatic life beneficial uses using the Numeric Nutrient Endpoint tool and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.

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

Twelve of 339 nitrate samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply. This beneficial use is fully supported.

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. Forty-two of the 339 Nitrate (as N) samples exceed the water quality objective for Municipal and Domestic Supply. Seven of 9 Nitrate + Nitrite samples exceed the OEHHA Public Health Goal in Drinking Water (December 1997) as it applies to the Municipal and Domestic Supply beneficial use. These exceed the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. A total of 133 out of the 339 samples exceeded the Evaluation Guideline for Nitrate established for aquatic life beneficial uses using the Numeric Nutrient Endpoint tool and this exceeds the allowable frequency calculated from the equation in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are 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, SWRCB 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.
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5504
 
LOE ID: 17744
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 206
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 206 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 14355
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate/Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: OEHHA public Health Goals for Nitrate and Nitrogen in Drinking Water (December 1997). Page 6.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA Public Health Goal states that sum of the concentration of nitrate + nitrite shall not exceed 10 mg/L (NO3+NO2 expressed as N).
Guideline Reference: Public health goals for nitrate and nitrite in drinking water
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14286
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-10/25/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14287
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-10/25/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 28140
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 206
Number of Exceedances: 36
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: Monterey Area Research Consortium (R3_MARC)
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 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California
  Technical Paper - Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances Using the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints. Central Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 28141
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap)
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 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California
  Technical Paper - Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances Using the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints. Central Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 13713
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 111
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 12 of 111 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Herbert Rd, Crazy Horse Rd, Old Stage Rd, Natividad Rd, Veterans Park Bridge, Boronda Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/11/2000-5/23/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 13714
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 111
Number of Exceedances: 27
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 27 of 111 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Herbert Rd, Crazy Horse Rd, Old Stage Rd, Natividad Rd, Veterans Park Bridge, Boronda Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/11/2000-5/23/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 17743
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 206
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 206 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 18290
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 1883
 
Pollutant: Nitrate as Nitrate (NO3)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There were 6 total samples taken by CCAMP staff. Out of the 6 samples, 2 exceeded the water quality objective for nitrate (as NO3) for municipal and domestic supply (CCAMP, 2004; SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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 (Region 3 Basin Plan, p III-3; In Table 3-2, the MCL for Nitrate (as NO3) in Domestic or Municipal Supply is 45 mg/L.).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from two sites.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from July 1999 to February 2000.
Environmental Conditions: The water body is located in the Salinas hydrologic unit, Gabilan Range hydrologic subarea. The sites are Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road (309GAB), "City of Salinas Urban GC1-M."
QAPP Information: CCAMP, SWAMP QAPP.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 18289
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 9547
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 9546
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 28113
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: CCAMP Salinas (Salinas)
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
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California
  Technical Paper - Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances Using the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints. Central Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year, in both 1999 and in 2006. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 28102
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth). Five of the 6 samples exceed the evaluation guideline for nitrate.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California
  Technical Paper - Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances Using the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints. Central Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-10/25/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 28155
 
Pollutant: Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 111
Number of Exceedances: 80
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Data for this assessment unit was collected by one monitoring project: Central Coast Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS)
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) Water Quality Data
 
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
 
Evaluation Guideline: Technical approach to develop nutrient numeric endpoints for California, Tetra Tech, June 2006. The Central Coast Region numeric target for maximum nitrate concentration is based on the Tetra Tech NNE (Nutrient Numeric Endpoint) Model and CCAMP data for 193 sites, monitored monthly for at least 1 year between January 1998 and December 2006. The model numeric target for aquatic life habitats in the Central Coast Region is 1.0 mg/L Nitrate as N.
Guideline Reference: Technical Approach to Develop Nutrient Numeric Endpoints for California
  Technical Paper - Interpreting Narrative Objectives for Biostimulatory Substances Using the Technical Approach for Developing California Nutrient Numeric Endpoints. Central Coast Region
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Herbert Rd, Crazy Horse Rd, Old Stage Rd, Natividad Rd, Veterans Park Bridge, and Boronda Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/11/2000-5/23/2002.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13751
 
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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 9 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.

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. However, there are an insufficient number of samples to make a "use rating" decision. Central Coast Water Board staff require a minimum of 26 samples to make a "use rating" decision of Fully Supporting.

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 9 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 13751
 
LOE ID: 9504
 
Pollutant: Boron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 9 samples exceed the criterion for Boron, dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 5/10/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13753
 
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 27 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. Two of the 27 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 13753
 
LOE ID: 14605
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 9545
 
Pollutant: Chlorophyll-a
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorophyll a.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13754
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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. None of the 3 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses. However, there are an insufficient number of samples to make a "use rating" decision. Central Coast Water Board staff require a minimum of 16 samples to make a "use rating" decision of Fully Supporting.

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 3 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to aquatic life beneficial uses and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
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 13754
 
LOE ID: 19260
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm 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 Don Westin Toxicity study (R3_Weston) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston Salinas Toxicity Data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston_Salinas CCMP Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for dieldrin is 61.8 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 309SG3 - Gabilan Creek at Independence and Lexington Dr., 309SG2 - Gabilan Creek at Boranda, 309SG1 - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 9/23/2005.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was prepared specifically for this project. However the work was conducted consistent with an approved QAPP from a previous project. That QAPP is available upon request.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
DECISION ID
13758
 
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.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Eight of the 385 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.

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. Eight of the 385 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 13758
 
LOE ID: 13831
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 168
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 Watershed Studies (R3_CCOWS) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 168 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCoWS (Central Coast Watershed Studies) 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 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 6 monitoring sites [ Old Stage Rd, Crazy Horse Rd, Veterans Park Bridge, Herbert Rd, Natividad Rd, Boronda Rd]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/13/2000-2/19/2001.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: Data quality is good and Standard Operating Procedures are well documented in QAPP. However, data documentation is poor and replicate samples and other quality assurance measurements are not consistently documented in this data set.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 17527
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 201
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 201 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 4 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-129]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 10851
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Conductivity(Us).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 17664
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 17905
 
Pollutant: Electrical Conductivity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 2 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 8/24/2004-9/21/2004.
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
13759
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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. None of the 3 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to the water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category. However, there are an insufficient number of samples to make a "use rating" decision. Central Coast Water Board staff require a minimum of 16 samples to make a "use rating" decision of Fully Supporting.

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 3 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (MacDonald et al. 2000) as it applies to the water quality objective for Warm Freshwater Habitat, 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 13759
 
LOE ID: 19525
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm 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 Don Westin Toxicity study (R3_Weston) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston Salinas Toxicity Data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston_Salinas CCMP Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, General Objective Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In fresh water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for endrin is 207 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment effect concentrations for polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 19(5): 1403-1413
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 309SG3 - Gabilan Creek at Independence and Lexington Dr., 309SG2 - Gabilan Creek at Boranda, 309SG1 - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 9/23/2005.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was prepared specifically for this project. However the work was conducted consistent with an approved QAPP from a previous project. That QAPP is available upon request.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
DECISION ID
13762
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
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 3.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.3 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 10 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. None of the 10 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-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. However, there are an insufficient number of samples to make a "use rating" decision. Central Coast Water Board staff require a minimum of 26 samples to make a "use rating" decision of Fully Supporting.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of the 10 samples exceed the water quality objective for Water Contact Recreation. None of the 10 samples exceed the water quality objective for Non-Contact Recreation. These do 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 13762
 
LOE ID: 18478
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 18479
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. Coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 10866
 
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 CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan 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: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10852
 
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: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Escherichia coli.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13755
 
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.

Eight lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Two of the 228 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat. Twelve of 28 samples exceed the general water quality objective for oxygen saturation (applied as a single sample maximum), used to evaluate Cold and Warm Freshwater Habitat. However, the Basin Plan objective states that the median shall not fall below 85% saturation and the median value did not exceed this criterion.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Two of the 228 samples exceed the dissolved oxygen water quality objective for Cold Freshwater Habitat and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy. In addition, the median value did not exceed the General Objective.
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 13755
 
LOE ID: 17877
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 196
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 196 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, 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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 14619
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 12964
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 12981
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm 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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/7/1999. 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: 12980
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm 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 Gabilan 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: 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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 7/7/1999. 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: 12979
 
Pollutant: Dissolved oxygen saturation
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Oxygen, Saturation.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14606
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan 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: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 18101
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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, 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, dissolved oxygen concentration shall not be reduced below 5.0 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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
13750
 
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.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 225 samples 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 225 samples 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 13750
 
LOE ID: 17834
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 198
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 9544
 
Pollutant: Ammonia as Nitrogen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Total.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/1/1999-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14288
 
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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan 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: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13764
 
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.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply.

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. However, there are an insufficient number of samples to make a "use rating" decision. Central Coast Water Board staff require a minimum of 26 samples to make a "use rating" decision of Fully Supporting.

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 22 samples exceed the water quality objective for Agricultural Supply and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 13764
 
LOE ID: 12982
 
Pollutant: Salinity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceed the criterion for Salinity.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/10/2000-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14638
 
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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan 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: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13748
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
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 | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
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 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.1 the site exceeded numeric objectives for toxic pollutants. Using 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 3.1. Three of 18 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use and this supports rejection of the null hypothesis.

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 18 samples exceed the General water quality objective as it applies to the Cold Freshwater Habitat beneficial use 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: 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 13748
 
LOE ID: 9505
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-5/23/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14604
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 13 samples exceed the criterion for Ammonia as N, Unionized.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
15907
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in sediment samples. Four of the 5 samples were toxic to invertebrate test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Four of the 5 samples were toxic to invertebrate test organisms 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: 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 15907
 
LOE ID: 24067
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 4/13/2005-5/25/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 24197
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Don Westin Toxicity study (R3_Weston) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Hyalella azteca Survival (%) 10 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston Salinas Toxicity Data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Don Weston_Salinas CCMP Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ 309SG1 - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Road, 309SG2 - Gabilan Creek at Boranda, 309SG3 - Gabilan Creek at Independence and Lexington Dr.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 9/23/2005.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: No QAPP was prepared specifically for this project. However the work was conducted consistent with an approved QAPP from a previous project. That QAPP is available upon request.
QAPP Information Reference(s): e-mail clarifying QAPP information
 
DECISION ID
13765
 
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: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
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. Twenty-one of the 22 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

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 Gabilan Creek as having "Definite run or population" and specifically states the following: A DFG survey conducted in 2000 reported multiple classes of steelhead and a 2004 DFG survey collected an adult steelhead from Gabilan 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 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. Twenty-one of the 22 samples exceed the Evaluation Guideline (Sigler et al., 1984) applied to protect for 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 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 13765
 
LOE ID: 14639
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 16 of 16 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 12983
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for Turbidity(NTU).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
15908
 
Pollutant: Unknown Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Agriculture | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
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 and section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant in water samples. Four of the samples were toxic to test organisms (exhibited a significant increase in mortality or decrease in cell density compared to the laboratory control) and therefore exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity, set to protect for aquatic life beneficial uses.

The following is a summary of the results from individual toxicity tests. None of the 3 samples (tested for toxicity to plants), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and neither of the 2 samples (tested for toxicity to vertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity. However, all 4 of the samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.

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. All 4 of the samples (tested for toxicity to invertebrate test organisms), exceed the narrative General Objective for toxicity 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: 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 15908
 
LOE ID: 24209
 
Pollutant: Plant Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Selenastrum capricornutum Growth (Cell Density) 4 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction in cell count of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and cell count <80% of control.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-2/22/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 24065
 
Pollutant: Invertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 4 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Ceriodaphnia dubia Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road].
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-9/27/2005. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 24199
 
Pollutant: Vertebrate Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPnorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Toxicity, Pimephales promelas Survival (%) 7 days. Toxicity is defined by SWAMP (2004) as follows: Significant toxicity in the survival endpoint when compared to the negative control based on a statistical test with alpha of less than 5%, and less than the evaluation threshold (both criteria are met).
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, toxicity bioassays of appropriate duration, or other appropriate methods as specified by the Regional Board (Water Quality Control Plan, Central Coast Basin, Chapter III, Section II.A.2 Objectives for all Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Central Coast Region (R3) Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Significant reduction of survival of test organism relative to the control (alpha < 0.05) and test organism survival is 20% less than the control survival.
Guideline Reference: Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 3/22/2005-2/22/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
13767
 
Pollutant: pH
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 | Grazing-Related Sources | Other Urban Runoff
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2013
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.

Twenty lines of evidence ar 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.

Fifty-six of 223 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and 88 of 223 samples exceed the objectives for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. These support rejection of the null hypothesis. Thirty-four of the 223 samples exceed the Warm Freshwater Habitat water quality objective; this beneficial use is fully supported.

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. Fifty-six of 223 samples exceed the Agricultural Supply water quality objective, and 88 of 223 samples exceed the objectives for Municipal & Domestic Supply, Non-Contact Recreation and Water Contact Recreation. 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 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 13767
 
LOE ID: 19178
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 19162
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: 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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 17411
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 198
Number of Exceedances: 88
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 88 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 17412
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 198
Number of Exceedances: 88
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 88 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 17413
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 198
Number of Exceedances: 88
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 88 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 14637
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10868
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 17410
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 198
Number of Exceedances: 56
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 56 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 17414
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 198
Number of Exceedances: 34
 
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 34 of 198 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 3 monitoring sites [ GA-CHR - Gabilan Creek at Crazy Horse Rd., GA-OSC - Gabilan Creek at Old Stage Coach Rd., GA-HEB - Gabilan Creek at Hebert Rd.]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 10/4/2000-9/21/2004.
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: 19179
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
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 Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 10886
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 19161
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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: 14620
 
Pollutant: pH
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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14621
 
Pollutant: pH
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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14622
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
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 CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc water quality data
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10867
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10870
 
Pollutant: pH
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 14636
 
Pollutant: pH
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: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCWQP Northern Area Ag-Waiver Monitoring (R3_CMPNorth) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc 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: 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 2/22/2005-12/12/2006. Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP) staff conduct monitoring for conventional pollutants at all Ag Waiver monitoring sites monthly. CMP staff also conduct water toxicity monitoring quarterly and sediment toxicity monitoring annually (in spring).
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 Cooperative Monitoring Program QAPP, (Clark and Ogle 2006). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 10869
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed CCAMP Salinas (Salinas) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceed the criterion for pH.
Data Reference: Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Salinas Toxicity data
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file1
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file2
  Final Data File used for assessment: CCAMP Water Quality Data_file3
 
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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309GAB-Gabilan Creek at Independence Road and East Boranda Road]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected over the time period 1/24/2006-12/12/2006. Salinas watershed is one of five annual rotation areas that are monitored for conventional pollutants by CCAMP staff monthly for one year. Toxicity monitoring is conducted twice during the rotation year (winter and summer) at a subset of sites.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might effect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission. All data are flagged as appropriate.
QAPP Information Reference(s):

 
LOE ID: 19160
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Agricultural Supply
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Central Coast Regional Board Staff assessed Coastal Watershed Council (Snapshot day monitoring) (R3_Snap) data for Gabilan Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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 Gabilan Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ 309-GABIL-31 - Gabilan Creek at Independence]
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):