Lower Salinas River Fecal Coliform TMDL

Information

Problem Statement - The beneficial use of water contact recreation is not protected in the impaired reaches of the Lower Salinas River Watershed, including Lower Salinas River (from the Chualar River Road, downstream to the Salinas River Lagoon (North)), Old Salinas River, Tembladero Slough, Salinas Reclamation Canal, Alisal Creek, Gabilan Creek, Natividad Creek, Salinas River Lagoon (North), Santa Rita Creek, Quail Creek, Chualar Creek, and Towne Creek because fecal indicator bacteria concentrations exceed existing Basin Plan numeric water quality objectives and/or USEPA guidelines protecting this beneficial use. All reaches in these waterbodies are impaired. The Ocean Plan and Basin Plan also contain Shellfish Harvesting (SHELL) and Non-contact Water Recreation (REC-2) water quality objectives. Waterbodies with SHELL beneficial use impaired by bacteria will be addressed in a separate TMDL project and/or standards action.

Documentation

  • January 31, 2012 - USEPA approves the Lower Salinas River Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL
  • December 20, 2011 - OAL approves the Lower Salinas River Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL
  • September 19, 2011 - State Board approves the Lower Salinas River Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL
  • September 2, 2010 - Central Coast Water Board adopts the Lower Salinas River Watershed Fecal Coliform TMDL
    • Staff Report
    • Attachment 1 - Resolution R3-2010-0017 and Basin Plan Amendment Language
    • Attachment 2 - Project Report (technical report that provides the basis for the TMDL)
      • Appendix A - Water Quality Data Set
      • Appendix B - Statistical Analysis
      • Appendix C - Notes Regarding Spills and Leaks, Homeless Encampments, and Onsite Disposal Systems
      • Appendix D - Wildlife and Livestock Census Data
      • Appendix E - Onsite Disposal Systems Census Data and WTM Spreadsheets
      • Appendix F - Bacteria Source Load Calculator Spreadsheets
      • Appendix G - Bedloads - Bacteria Load Estimator Spreadsheets (BLEST)
      • Appendix H - Flow Duration Curves
      • Appendix I - Load Duration Curve Spreadsheets
    • Attachment 3 - CEQA "Substitute Document" Report for Basin Plan Amendment
    • Attachment 5 - Scientific Peer Review Comments and Staff Response
    • Attachment 6 - Public Comments and Staff Response
    • Attachment 7 - Summary of Nonsubstantive Changes made to Basin Plan since March 18, 2010
    • Attachment 8 - Compilation of Supplemental Sheets from March 18, 2010 Central Coast Water Board Hearing

Contacts

Status and Public Notices

  • Status: Fully approved and effective.
  • Public Notice: None at this time.

Approval status

  • Central Coast Water Board
    - adopted September 2, 2010.
  • State Water Resources Control Board
    - approved September 19, 2011.
  • Office of Administrative Law (OAL)
    - approved December 20, 2011, which is the effective date.
  • US Environmental Protection Agency
    - approved January 31, 2012.