There Are Two Types Of

REVISION D TABLE AND TEXT CHANGES

REVISION D(1), PAGE 3-1

3 WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES

INTRODUCTION

The overall goals of water quality regulation are to protect and maintain thriving aquatic ecosystems and the resources those systems provide to society and to accomplish these in an economically and socially sound manner. California’s regulatory framework uses water quality objectives both to define appropriate levels of environmental quality and to control activities that can adversely affect aquatic systems.

WATER QUALITY There are two types of technical review, the overall feasibility of reaching OBJECTIVES objectives: narrative and objectives in terms of technological, institutional, numerical. Narrative objec- economic, and administrative factors is tives present general descriptions of water considered at many different stages of objective quality that must be attained through pollutant derivation and implementation of the water control measures and watershed management. quality control plan. They also serve as the basis for the development of detailed numerical objectives. Together, the narrative and numerical objectives define the level of water quality that Historically, numerical objectives were shall be maintained within the region. In developed primarily to limit the adverse effect of instances where water quality is better than that pollutants in the water column. Two decades of prescribed by the objectives, the state regulatory experience and extensive research in Antidegradation Policy applies (State Board environmental science have demonstrated that Resolution 68-16: Statement of Policy With beneficial uses are not fully protected unless Respect to Maintaining High Quality of Waters in pollutant levels in all parts of the aquatic system California). This policy is aimed at protecting are also monitored and controlled. The Regional relatively uncontaminated aquatic systems, Board is actively working towards an integrated where they exist, and preventing further set of objectives, including numerical sediment degradation. The state’s Antidegradation Policy objectives, that will ensure the protection of all is consistent with the federal Antidegradation current and potential beneficial uses. Policy, as interpreted by the State Water Resources Control Board in State Board Order Numerical objectives typically describe pollutant No. 86-17. concentrations, physical/chemical conditions of the water itself, and the toxicity of the water to When uncontrollable water quality factors result aquatic organisms. These objectives are in the degradation of water quality beyond the designed to represent the maximum amount of levels or limits established herein as water quality pollutants that can remain in the water column objectives, the Regional Board will conduct a without causing any adverse effect on organisms case-by-case analysis of the benefits and costs using the aquatic system as habitat, on people of preventing further degradation. In cases where consuming those organisms or water, and on this analysis indicates that beneficial uses will be other current or potential beneficial uses (as adversely impacted by allowing further described in Chapter 2). degradation, then the Regional Board will not allow controllable water quality factors to cause The technical bases of the region’s water any further degradation of water quality. quality objectives include extensive biological, Controllable water quality factors are those chemical, and physical partitioning information actions, conditions, or circumstances resulting reported in the scientific literature, national water from human activities that may influence the quality criteria, studies conducted by other quality of the waters of the state and that may be agencies, and information gained from local reasonably controlled. environmental and discharge monitoring (as described in Chapter 6). The Regional Board recognizes that limited information exists in some QUICK INDEX PAGE cases, making it difficult to establish definitive QUICK INDEX P A G E numerical objectives, but the Regional Board Water Quality Objectives for: believes its conservative approach to setting Ocean Waters ...... 3 - 2 Surface Waters...... 3 - 2 objectives has been proper. In addition to the G r o u n d w a t e r s...... 3 - 5

The Delta and Suisun Marsh ...... 3 - 7 Alameda Creek Watershed...... 3 – 7

REVISION D(2), PAGE 3-3 visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water that cause nuisance, or that otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses. or phytoplankton blooms may indicate exceedance of this objective and require POPULATION AND investigation. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

C O L O R All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or Waters shall be free of coloration that causes that produce significant alterations in population nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses. or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics DISSOLVED OXYGEN of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ For all tidal waters, the following objectives significantly from those for the same waters in shall apply: areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors. In the Bay: Downstream of PH Carquinez Bridge...... 5.0 mg/l minimum The pH shall not be depressed below 6.5 nor Upstream of raised above 8.5. This encompasses the pH Carquinez Bridge...... 7.0 mg/l minimum range usually found in waters within the basin. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause For nontidal waters, the following objectives changes greater than 0.5 units in normal ambient shall apply: pH levels.

Waters designated as: RADIOACTIVITY

Cold water habitat...... 7.0 mg/l minimum Radionuclides shall not be present in Warm water habitat...... 5.0 mg/l minimum concentrations that result in the accumulation of radionuclides in the food web to an extent that The median dissolved oxygen concentration for presents a hazard to human, plant, animal, or any three consecutive months shall not be less aquatic life. Waters designated for use as than 80 percent of the dissolved oxygen content domestic or municipal supply shall not contain at saturation. concentrations of radionuclides in excess of the limits specified in Table 4 of Section 64443 Dissolved oxygen is a general index of the state (Radioactivity) of Title 22 of the California Code of the health of receiving waters. Although of Regulations, which is incorporated by minimum concentrations of 5 mg/l and 7 mg/l are reference in this Plan. This incorporation is frequently used as objectives to protect fish life, prospective, including future changes to the higher concentrations are generally desirable to incorporated provisions as the changes take protect sensitive aquatic forms. In areas effect (see Table 3-5) unaffected by waste discharges, a level of about 85 percent of oxygen saturation exists. A three- S A L I N I T Y month median objective of 80 percent of oxygen saturation allows for some degradation from this Controllable water quality factors shall not level, but still requires a consistently high oxygen increase the total dissolved solids or salinity of content in the receiving water. waters of the state so as to adversely affect beneficial uses, particularly fish migration and FLOATING MATERIAL estuarine habitat.

Waters shall not contain floating material, S E D I M E N T including solids, liquids, foams, and scum, in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely The suspended sediment load and suspended affect beneficial uses. sediment discharge rate of surface waters shall not be altered in such a manner as to cause OIL AND GREASE nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. Controllable water quality factors shall not cause Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes, or a detrimental increase in the concentrations of other materials in concentrations that result in a toxic pollutants in sediments or aquatic life.

SETTLEABLE MATERIAL

Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

SUSPENDED MATERIAL

Waters shall not contain suspended material in concentrations that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.

S U L F I D E

All water shall be free from dissolved sulfide concentrations above natural background levels. Sulfide occurs in Bay muds as a result of bacterial action on organic matter in an anaerobic environment.

REVISIONS D(3 - 6), PAGE 3-5 those measures must be factored into economic impact considerations by the Regional Board in adopting any objectives for this area. Nowhere • A more stringent maximum objective is desirable else in the region will nonpoint source economic for the northern reach of the Bay for the considerations have such an impact on the protection of the migratory corridor running attainability of objectives. Therefore, for this area, through Central Bay, San Pablo Bay, and the objectives contained in Tables 3-3 and 3-4 upstream reaches. will be considered guidance only, and should be used as part of the basis for site-specific OBJECTIVES FOR SPECIFIC objectives. Programs described in Chapter 4 will CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS be used to develop site-specific objectives. Ambient conditions shall be maintained until site- Surface waters shall not contain concentrations specific objectives are developed. Controlling of chemical constituents in amounts that urban and upland runoff sources is critical to the adversely affect any designated beneficial use. success of maintaining water quality in this Water quality objectives forselected toxic portion of the Bay. Site-specific water quality pollutants developed in 1986 for surface waters objectives have been adopted for dissolved are given in Tables 3-3 and 3-4. copper and nickel in this Bay segment. Site- specific objectives may be appropriate for other The Regional Board intends to work towards pollutants of concern, but this determination will the derivation of site-specific objectives for the be made on a case-by-case basis, and after it Bay-Delta estuarine system. Site-specific has been demonstrated that all other reasonable objectives to be considered by the Regional treatment, source control and pollution prevention Board shall be developed in accordance with the measures have been exhausted. The Regional provisions of the federal Clean Water Act, the Board will determine whether revised water State Water Code, State Board water quality quality objectives and/or effluent limitations are control plans, and this Plan. These site-specific appropriate based on sound technical information objectives will take into consideration factors and scientific studies, stakeholder input, and the such as all available scientific information and need for flexibility to address priority problems in monitoring data and the latest U.S. EPA the watershed. guidance, and local environmental conditions and impacts caused by bioaccumulation.Copper, CONSTITUENTS OF CONCERN mercury, PCBs, and selenium will be the highest FOR MUNICIPAL AND AGRICULTURAL priorities in this effort. Pending the adoption of WATER SUPPLIES site-specific objectives, the objectives in Table 3- 3 and 3-4 apply throughout the region. Site- At a minimum, surface waters designated for specific objectives for copper and nickel, adopted use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall for South San Francisco Bay south of the not contain concentrations of constituents in Dumbarton Bridge, are listed in Table 3-3A. excess of the maximum (MCLs) or secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCLs) specified Based on the concerns raised in the Regional in the following pro-visions of Title 22 of the Monitoring Program, pilot fish contamination California Code of Regulations, which are study, cooperative striped bass study, and other incorporated by reference into this plan: Tables studies, water quality objectives for aromatic 64431-A (Inorganic Chemicals) and 64431-B hydrocarbons are also needed.While site-specific (Fluoride) of Section 64431, Table 64444-A objectives may or not be appropriate for all (Organic Chemicals) of Section 64444, and Table pollutants of concern, our attention is currently 64449-A (SMCLs-Consumer Acceptance Limits) focused on cyanide and nickel, north of the and 64449-B (SMCLs-Ranges) of Section 64449. Dumbarton Bridge. This incorporation- by-reference is prospective, including future changes to the incorporated The South Bay belowSouth San Francisco Bay provisions as the changes take effect. Table 3-5 south of the Dumbarton Bridge is a unique, contains water quality objectives for municipal water-quality-limited, hydrodynamic and supply, including the MCLs contained in various biological environment that merits continued sections of Title 22 as of the adoption of this plan. special attention by the Regional Board. Site- specific water quality objectives are absolutely At a minimum, surface waters designated for necessary in this area for two reasons. First, its use as agricultural supply (AGR) shall not contain unique hydrodynamic environment dramatically concentrations of constituents in excess of the affects the environmental fate of pollutants. levels specified in Table 3-6. Second, potentially costly nonpoint source pollution control measures must be implemented RADIOACTIVITY to attain any objectives for this area. The costs of

Radionuclides shall not be present in con- prospective, including future changes to the centrations that result in the accumulation of incorporated provisions as the changes take radionuclides in the food web to an extent that effect (see Table 3-5). presents a hazard to human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Waters designated for use as OBJECTIVES FOR domestic or municipal supply shall not contain GROUNDWATERS concentrations of radionuclides in excess of the limits specified in Table 4 of Section 64443 Groundwater objectives consist primarily of (Radioactivity) of Title 22 of the California Code narrative objectives combined with a limited of Regulations, which is incorporated by number of numerical objectives. Additionally, the reference into this Plan. This incorporation is Regional Board will establish basin-

TABLE 3-1 WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR COLIFORM BACTERIAa

BENEFICIAL USE FECAL COLIFORM (MPN /100ML) TOTAL COLIFORM (MPN/100ML)

Water Contact log geometric mean < 200 median < 240 Recreation 90th percentile < 400 no sample > 10,000

Shellfish Harvesting b median < 14 median < 70 90th percentile < 43 90th percentile < 230 c

Non-contact Water mean < 2000 Recreation d 90th percentile < 4000

Municipal Supply: - Surface Water e log geometric mean < 20 log geometric mean < 100 - Groundwater < 1.1 f

N O T E S : a. Based on a minimum of five consecutive samples equally spaced over a 30-day period. b. Source: National Shellfish Sanitation Program. c . Based on a five-tube decimal dilution test or 300 MPN/100 ml when a three-tube decimal dilution test is used. d. Source: Report of the Committee on Water Quality Criteria, National Technical Advisory Committee, 1968. e. Source: DOHS recommendation. f. Based on multiple tube fermentation technique; equivalent test results based on other analytical techniques, as specified in the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, 40 CFR, Part 141.21(f), revised June 10, 1992, are acceptable.

REVISIONS D(8 - 9),_PAGE 4-7

TECHNOLOGY-AND WATER- ives will reflect site-specific conditions and QUALITY-BASED LIMITATIONS comply with the Antidegradation Policy. This situation may arise when: The federal Clean Water Act (CWA) requires • It is determined that promulgated water quality that NPDES permits include technology- based and, where appropriate, water quality- based standards or objectives are not protective of beneficial uses; or effluent limitations. Technology-based effluent limitations are promulgated performance • Site-specific conditions warrant less stringent standards based on secondary treatment or best practicable control technology. When technology- effluent limits than those based on promulgated based limitations fail to attain or maintain water quality standards or objectives, without acceptable water quality (as measured by water compromising the beneficial uses of the receiving quality objectives) or comply with water quality water. control plans, additional or more stringent effluent limitations will be required in order to attain water In the above cases, the Regional Board may quality objectives. The more stringent limitations consider developing and adopting site-specific are known as water quality-based limits. water quality objectives for the constituent(s) of concern. These site-specific objectives will be developed to provide the same level of Water quality-based effluent limitations will consist of narrative requirements and, where environmental protection as intended by national appropriate, numerical limits for the protection of criteria, but will more accurately reflect local the most sensitive beneficial uses of the receiving conditions. Such objectives are subject to water. Establishing numerical limits takes into approval by the State Board, the Office of account the appropriate water quality objectives, Administrative Law, and U.S. EPA. background concentrations in the receiving water, and allowable dilution credit. Descriptions There may be cases where the promulgated of the calculation are included in the section water quality standard or adopted objectives are below titled “Calculation of Water Quality-Based practically not attainable in the receiving water Effluent Limitations. ” due to existing high concentrations. In such circumstances, discharges shall not cause impairment of beneficial uses. In many cases, numerical water quality objectives are not available for various types of beneficial uses or for various constituents of BEST PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT concern. U.S. EPA is expected to promulgate final water quality standards for California in late In developing and setting water quality-based 1995. These standards will then apply to all effluent limitations for toxic pollutants, best permitting actions conducted under the federal professional judgement will involve con-sideration Clean Water Act. In addition, the State Board is of many factors. Factors that may be considered engaged in the development of statewide water include: quality objectives under Porter-Cologne. Prior to • Applicable and relevant federal laws, regu- formal adoption or promulgation of applicable lation, water quality objectives or standards, In these and guidance (specifically 40 CFR cases, best professional judgement will be used 122 and 131, promulgated National Toxics in deriving numerical effluent limitations that will Rules, U.S. EPA Water Quality Criteria, and ensure attainment and maintenance of narrative technical guidance on water quality-based water quality objectives. toxics control); • State laws, regulations, policies, guidance, and Water Quality Control Plans; SITE-SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES • This regional Water Quality Control Plan; • Achievability by available technology or In some cases, the Regional Board may elect to control strategies; develop and adopt site-specific water quality • Effectiveness of pollution prevention and objectives. These object- source control measures; and

• Assessment, control, and monitoring of potential regulatory program. An effective ordinance and and existing soil erosion-related water quality regulatory program must: problems, • Be at least comparable to the model ordinances • Improvement of coordination between the in ABAG’s Manual of Standards for Erosion and Resource Conservation Districts and the Sediment Control Measures; Regional Board; and • State that water quality protection is an explicit • Monitoring of local government progress on the goal of the ordinance; adoption and implementation of erosion and sediment control ordinances. • Require preparation of erosion and sediment control plans consistent with the Manual of The Regional Board has recognized and Standards with specific attention to both off-site encouraged the efforts that ABAG has made and on-site impacts; since mid-1980 in working with local Bay Area governments to improve their ordinance and • Provide for installation of approved control regulatory programs on erosion and sediment measures no later than October 15 of each year; control. By the end of 1995, ABAG’s will have and updated its 19801995 Manual of Standards for Erosion and Sediment Control Measures, which • Have provisions for site inspections with follow provides specific guidance to local governments, up at appropriate times, posting of financial is an important tool for improving erosion and assurances for implementation of control sediment control. . During the 1993-94 rainfall measures, and an enforcement program to season, a number of erosion problems assure compliance with the ordinance. associated with construction activities were noted. These problems would probably have 4. All persons proposing alterations to land (over been far better controlled if local government five acres) are required to file a Report of Waste erosion ordinances and regulatory programs had Discharge and/or an Erosion Control Plan with been in line with those recommended by ABAG. the Regional Board. A statewide general NPDES permit aimed at minimizing erosion from the The Regional Board intends to follow the proposed activities has been issued. guidelines listed below in regulating erosion and sedimentation for the protection of beneficial In addition, the Regional Board may find that any uses of water. water quality problems caused by erosion and sedimentation for such a project were due to the 1. Local units of government with land-use negligent lack of an adequate erosion control planning authority should have the lead role in ordinance and enforcement program by the local controlling land-use activities that cause erosion permitting agency. Such a finding of negligence and may, as necessary, impose further could subject a permitting agency to liability for conditions, restrictions, or limitations on waste indemnification to a developer if civil monetary disposal or other activities that might degrade the remedies are recovered by the state. quality of waters of the state. 5. The Regional Board may take enforcement 2. Best Management Practices (BMPs) should be action pursuant to the California Water Code to implemented to reduce erosion and require the responsible persons (including local sedimentation and minimize adverse effects on permitting agencies) to clean up and abate water water quality. A BMP is a practice or combination quality problems caused by erosion and of practices determined to be the most effective sedimentation in the event that the local and practicable means to prevent or reduce permitting agency fails to take the necessary erosion and sediment-related water quality corrective action. degradation. Examples of control measures are contained in the Manual of Standards for Erosion DREDGING AND DISPOSAL and Sediment Control Measures. Further OF DREDGED SEDIMENT technical guidance can be obtained from the Resource Conservation Districts. BACKGROUND

3. Local governments should develop an effective Dredging and dredged sediment disposal in the erosion and sediment control ordinance and San Francisco Bay Area

REVISION D (11-13), PAGE 4-69

TABLE 4-2 EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS FOR CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS (ALL UNITS IN MG/L, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE NOTED) Parameters 30-day 7-day Daily Instan- Seven Five- average average Maxi- taneous - sample mum limit sampl median e media n Biochemical Oxygen 30 45 Demand Suspended Solids (SS)a 30 45 85% removal of BOD5 and SSa,c Total Coliform Organismsa,d (in MPN/100ml) -Shallow Water Discharge 240 (in immediate vicinity of public contact or shellfish harvesting -Deep Water Discharge 10,000 PH f (in pH units) -Shallow Water Discharge 6.5-8.5 -Deep Water Discharge 6.0-9.0 Residual Chlorine f (free chlorines plus 0.0 chloramines) Settleable Matter f.g (in ml/l-hr) 0.1 0.2 Oil & Grease f 10 20

Notes: a. These effluent limitations apply to all sewage treatment demonstrated through a program approved by the Regional facilities that discharge to inland surface waters and Board that such substitution will not result in unacceptable enclosed bays and estuaries. The Board may also apply adverse impacts on the beneficial uses of the receiving some of these limitations selectively to certain other non- water. (2) The Regional Board may consider establishing sewage discharges, but they will not be used to preempt less stringent requirements for any discharges during wet Effluent Guideline Limitations established pursuant to weather. e. Exceptions to these requirements may be Sections 301, 302, 304, or 306 of the federal Water granted by the Regional Board where it is demonstrated Pollution Control Act, as amended. (Such Effluent that beneficial uses will not be com-promised by such an Guideline Limitations are included in NPDES permits for exception. Discharges receiving such exceptions shall not particular industries.) exceed a five-sample median of 23 MPN/100 ml nor a b. The federal regulation allows the parameter BOD to be maximum of 240 MPN/100 ml during dry weather. substituted with Carbonaceous BOD at levels that shall not f . These effluent limitations apply to all treatment facilities. exceed 25 mg/l as a 30-day average, nor 40 mg/l as a 7- g. This limitation applies to all facilities, except secondary day average. and advanced sewage treatment plants. Discharges from c. The arithmetic mean of the biochemical oxygen demand sedimentation and similar cases should generally not (5-day, 20°C) and suspended solids values, by weight, for contain more than 1.0 ml/l-hr of settleable matter. Design effluent samples collected in any month shall not exceed and maintenance of erosion and sediment control 15 percent of the arithmetic mean of the respective values, structures shall comply with accepted engineering practices by weight, for simultaneous influent samples as identified in the Association of Bay Area Government’s d. (1) The Regional Board may consider substituting total (ABAG’s) Manual of Standards forErosion and Sediment coliform organ-isms limitations with fecal coliform Control Measures.. organisms limitations provided that it can be conclusively