DATA

The Regional Board utilizes a variety of data sources when considering changes to the 303(d) List or when developing TMDLs. To find out about specific data used for a particular 303(d)-related investigation or a TMDL, contact the staff person working on the investigation or TMDL in which you are interested.   Additionally, if you have data that you would like to submit with regards to a certain waterbody, please contact staff.  

Click here to determine the appropriate person to contact.

In general, data sources include State Mussel Watch/Toxic Substances Monitoring Program, beach-monitoring data, monitoring data for regulated/unregulated discharges, and data from other local, state and federal agencies.   The Regional Board prefers data that utilizes quality assurance/quality control procedures (QA/QC) that develop reliable water quality sampling results.

One major data source is the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (http://www.ccamp.org). The Central Coast Regional Board has developed an ambient water quality-monitoring program called the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP).   The CCAMP surface water monitoring strategy is to focus on watersheds and coastal confluences.   CCAMP watershed characterization calls for dividing the Central Coast Region into five watershed rotation areas and conducting synoptic, tributary-based sampling each year in one of the areas.   Over a five-year period, all the hydrologic units in the Region are monitored and evaluated.   Permanent watershed sites are monitored monthly for conventional water quality parameters, and once during the year for sediment chemistry, bioaccumulation, and benthic invertebrate assemblages. In addition to the synoptic site selection approach, additional monitoring sites are established in each rotation area to provide focused attention on watershed and water bodies known to have water quality impairments. CCAMP utilizes QA/QC procedures to develop reliable water quality sampling results.