Difference between revisions of "Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL - Implementation and Monitoring Progress"

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A [[Watershed Issues|watershed-related topic]] examined by the [[ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems]] class at [http://csumb.edu CSUMB].
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A [[Watershed Issues|watershed-related topic]] examined by the [[ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems]] class at [http://csumb.edu CSUMB].  
  
[[Image:Lowsal nut TMDL.JPG|600px|thumb|Lower Salinas River Watershed: Nutrient TMDL Project Area]]
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[[Image:Lowsal nut TMDL.JPG|550px|thumb|Image 1. Lower Salinas River Watershed: Nutrient TMDL Project Area]]
==Background==
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Pollution of surface and groundwaters from nitrate and unionized ammonia has been long standing problem for the lower Salinas Valley. Monitoring data in the Lower Salinas River Watershed suggest excessive levels of nitrate, unionized ammonia, and associated nutrient-related problems including, excessive orthophosphate, low dissolved oxygen, toxicity and excess algal biomass.<ref name'"RWQCB Lower Salinas TMDL Staff report"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/sal_nuts_tmdl_staffrpt.pdf RWQCB Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL Staff Report]</ref> Nitrate loading from the Salinas River has been known to be a potential driver of algal blooms occurring immediately after something called a "first flush" event, which is the first rain after a period of drought <ref name="Ag order"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/ag_waivers/docs/ag_order/final_agorder_atta_032612.pdf Conditional waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands]</ref>. The California [[Central Coast Water Board]] is required under the Federal and State [[Clean Water Act]] to protect and regulate beneficial uses of these waters. The Lower Salinas Valley Watershed has a wide range of beneficial uses which are not being supported including aquatic habitat, drinking water supply, groundwater recharge, agricultural supply, and water contact recreation. Water Supply and aquatic habitat constitute the most sensitive applicable beneficial uses requiring the most stringent water quality standards.<ref name'"Lower Salinas Nutrient TMDL Factsheet1"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/sal_nuts_tmdl_factsheet1_final.pdf TMDL for Nitrogen Compounds and Orthophosphate in the Lower Salinas River Watershed Factsheed #1]</ref> Development of the Lower Salinas Valley Watershed Nutrient TMDL was intended to reduce and eventually eradicate nitrate pollution for the purpose of human health, the Central Coast Water Board's top priority.
+
  
== Location ==
+
= Summary =
  
The geographic scope of the TMDL encompasses approximately 405 square miles in the Lower Salinas Valley. Agriculture is the dominant land use in the watershed although urbanized areas are increasing.
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This page summarizes the implementation and monitoring that has occurred following adoption of the [[TMDL for Nutrients in Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California|Lower Salinas Watershed Nutrient TMDL]]. The [[TMDL]] plan for the [[Lower Salinas River Watershed]] was approved by the [[Central Coast Water Board]] on March 14th, 2013 <ref name="Waterboard">Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL Information https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/ </ref>, and by the [[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)|EPA]] on October 13th, 2015. The proposed implementation strategy includes complying with the [[Central Coast Region Agricultural Waiver]]. Also, 72 monitoring sites were developed within the watershed. These sites are managed by the [[Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program]]. Any available monitoring data is available here [[Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL - Monitoring Data]].
  
The Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL applies to the following 303(d) listed water bodies:
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=Background=
*Lower Salinas River & Tributaries:
+
Pollution of surface and groundwaters from nitrate and unionized ammonia has been a long standing problem for the lower Salinas Valley. Monitoring data in the Lower Salinas River Watershed indicate excessive levels of nitrate, unionized ammonia, and associated nutrient-related problems including, excessive orthophosphate, low dissolved oxygen, toxicity and excess algal biomass.<ref name'"RWQCB Lower Salinas TMDL Staff report"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/sal_nuts_tmdl_staffrpt.pdf RWQCB Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL Staff Report]</ref> Nitrate loading from the Salinas River has been identified as a potential driver of algal blooms occurring immediately after "first flush" events, the first rain after a period of drought <ref name="Ag order"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/ag_waivers/docs/ag_order/final_agorder_atta_032612.pdf Conditional waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands]</ref>. The California [[Central Coast Water Board]] is required under the Federal and State [[Clean Water Act]] to protect and regulate beneficial uses of these waters. The Lower Salinas Valley Watershed has a wide range of beneficial uses which are not being supported including aquatic habitat, drinking water supply, groundwater recharge, agricultural supply, and water contact recreation. Water Supply and aquatic habitat constitute the most sensitive applicable beneficial uses requiring the most stringent water quality standards.<ref name'"Lower Salinas Nutrient TMDL Factsheet1"> [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/sal_nuts_tmdl_factsheet1_final.pdf TMDL for Nitrogen Compounds and Orthophosphate in the Lower Salinas River Watershed Factsheed #1]</ref> Development of the Lower Salinas Valley Watershed Nutrient TMDL was intended to reduce and eventually eradicate nitrate pollution for the purpose of human health, the Central Coast Water Board's top priority.
**Blanco Drain
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**Esperanza Creek
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**Chualar Creek
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**Quail Creek
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*Tembladero Slough & Tributaries:
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**Merrit Ditch
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**Reclamation Canal
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**Alisal Slough
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**Espinosa Slough
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**Santa Rita Creek
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**Gabilan Creek
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**Natividad Creek
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**Alisal Creek
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*Old Salinas River
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*Moro Cojo Slough
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== Summary ==
+
=Action Taken since TMDL Approval=
  
The TMDL for Lower Salinas River Nitrogen Compounds and Orthophosphate was first approved March 14, 2013 via a vote by the [[Central Coast Water Board]] to amend the [[Water Quality Control Plan for the Central Coastal Basin]]. At this point, 72 monitoring sites were established.
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[[Image:NitrateMeas andSources.png|375px|thumb|right|Map of The Lower Salinas River Watershed nitrate measurements and possible sources (from [[CCRWQCB]] 2012 draft TMDL report)]]
Lower Salinas River Watershed water quality is monitored through the [[Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program]] (CCAMP). CCAMP Water Quality objectives for Dissolved oxygen, Cholorphyll-a, and microsystin align with [[Basin Plan]] numeric water quality objectives.
+
  
==Action Taken since TMDL Approval==
+
Proposed implementation actions (section 7.3.3 in 2013 nutrients TMDL) include compliance with the [[Central Coast Region Agricultural Waiver]] (Ag order--''Order No. R3-2012-0011'') with the overarching goals of:
 +
*"Control[ling] discharge of nutrients to [[impaired waterbodies]] and
 +
*"Implement[ing] management practices capable of achieving interim and final [[Load Allocations]] identified in [the latest (2012)] TMDL".
  
====Initial Implementation====
+
Irrigated agriculture has been identified as the dominant [[Total_Mean_Daily_Load_%28TMDL%29#Source_analysis| source]] contributing to the issue of nutrients in the [[LSRW]]. Regulations can follow those set forth in the [[Conditional waiver of waste discharge requirements for irrigated lands | Ag Waiver]]. It is also advisable for Water Board staff to incorporate educational outreach programs to encourage the adoption of [[Best Management Practices]] (BMPs) on all croplands.
The TMDL is implemented through the [[Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Ag Order)]] which clearly requires dischargers implement, and where appropriate update or improve, management practices, which may include local or regional control, treatment practices and changes in farming practices to control discharges, meet water quality standards and achieve compliance. If the discharer fails to address water quality they may be subject to progressive enforcement and possible monetary liability. <ref name="Ag order"/>
+
  
====Water Quality Monitoring====
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==Initial Implementation==
The [[Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB)]] has designated [[Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc (Preservation, Inc.)]]  as the main non-profit entity to conduct the Cooperative Monitoring Program  in compliance with the Ag Order (Order no. R3-2012-0011). Under this order every enrolled grower may conduct their own surface water quality monitoring, or participate in the Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP). Over 99% of growers have opted to participate in the CMP.  
+
The TMDL is implemented through the [[Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Ag Order)]] which clearly requires dischargers implement, and where appropriate update or improve, management practices, which may include local or regional control, treatment practices and changes in farming practices to control discharges, meet water quality standards and achieve compliance. If the discharer fails to address water quality they may be subject to progressive enforcement and possible monetary liability. <ref name="Ag order"/> More information regarding dischagers requirements and expectations can be found on the [[Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Ag Order)]] page.
  
'''CCAMP'''
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==Projects==
The Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program conducts monthly monitoring in the [[Lower Salinas Watershed]] in order to conduct trend analysis and detect emerging water quality problems.
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====Status of Nitrate====
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For complete list, see [[TMDLs in the Monterey Bay Region of California]].
====Status of Un-ionized Ammonia====
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====Status of Orthophosphate====
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== References ==
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TMDL Projects Currently in Development for the Lower Salinas Valley (2015-2016)
 +
*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/elkhorn_slough/do/index.shtml Elkhorn Slough Bennett Slough] (Biostimulatory substances)
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*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/sed_tox/index.shtml Salinas River] (sediment toxicity, pyrethroid pesticides)
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*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/turbidity/index.shtml Salinas River] (turbidity)
 +
 
 +
==Water Quality Monitoring==
 +
 
 +
The [[Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB)]] has designated [[Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc (Preservation, Inc.)]]  as the main non-profit entity to conduct the Cooperative Monitoring Program  in compliance with the Ag Order (Order no. R3-2012-0011). Under this order every enrolled grower may conduct their own surface water quality monitoring, or participate in the Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP). Over 99% of growers have opted to participate in the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP).
 +
 
 +
The Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP) conducts monthly monitoring in the [[Lower Salinas Watershed]] in order to conduct trend analysis and detect emerging water quality problems.
 +
 
 +
The Central Coast Water Board's goal is to have all water bodies meet, or under, target TMDL levels by 2025 [http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/pesticide/sal_op_tmdl_att2_projrpt.pdf Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon in Lower Salinas River Watershed in Monterey County, California 2011].
 +
 
 +
As of March 2020, no public monitoring reports have been released; but monitoring data is available.
 +
 
 +
The Central Coast Water Board is scheduled to review the [[TMDL]] by 2024 in order to recognize new  monitoring data and research within the Lower Salinas River Watershed.([[Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL - Monitoring Data]]) <ref name="TMDL Summary">Concise Tabular Summary for the Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL http:://my.reference.link.com </ref>
 +
 
 +
=Links=
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 +
* [[TMDLs in the Monterey Bay Region of California]]
 +
* [[Total Maximum Daily Load for Fecal Coliform for the Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]]
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* [[Total Maximum Daily Load for Nutrients in Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]]
 +
* [[Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL - Monitoring Data).]]
 +
* [[Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon in Lower Salinas River Watershed in Monterey County, California]]
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* [[Approaches to TMDL Development and Implementation in the Monterey Bay Area]]
 +
* [[Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB)]]
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* [[Regional regulatory approaches to agricultural runoff in California]]
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* [[Central Coast Region Agricultural Waiver]]
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* [[Clean Water Act]]
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* [[NPDES|National Pollution Discharge Elimination System]]
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* [[Porter-Cologne Act]]
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* [[Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc. (CCWQPI)]]
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* [[Watershed Issues on the Central Coast of California]]
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* [[Central Coast Water Quality Coalition]]
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* [[Monterey Bay Area TMDL Listings - Priorities, Progress, and Documents]]
 +
 
 +
= References =
  
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
== Disclaimer ==
+
= Disclaimer =
  
 
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of [[CSUMB]], its staff, or students.
 
This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of [[CSUMB]], its staff, or students.

Latest revision as of 12:33, 28 March 2020

A watershed-related topic examined by the ENVS 560/L Watershed Systems class at CSUMB.

Image 1. Lower Salinas River Watershed: Nutrient TMDL Project Area

Summary

This page summarizes the implementation and monitoring that has occurred following adoption of the Lower Salinas Watershed Nutrient TMDL. The TMDL plan for the Lower Salinas River Watershed was approved by the Central Coast Water Board on March 14th, 2013 [1], and by the EPA on October 13th, 2015. The proposed implementation strategy includes complying with the Central Coast Region Agricultural Waiver. Also, 72 monitoring sites were developed within the watershed. These sites are managed by the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program. Any available monitoring data is available here Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL - Monitoring Data.

Background

Pollution of surface and groundwaters from nitrate and unionized ammonia has been a long standing problem for the lower Salinas Valley. Monitoring data in the Lower Salinas River Watershed indicate excessive levels of nitrate, unionized ammonia, and associated nutrient-related problems including, excessive orthophosphate, low dissolved oxygen, toxicity and excess algal biomass.[2] Nitrate loading from the Salinas River has been identified as a potential driver of algal blooms occurring immediately after "first flush" events, the first rain after a period of drought [3]. The California Central Coast Water Board is required under the Federal and State Clean Water Act to protect and regulate beneficial uses of these waters. The Lower Salinas Valley Watershed has a wide range of beneficial uses which are not being supported including aquatic habitat, drinking water supply, groundwater recharge, agricultural supply, and water contact recreation. Water Supply and aquatic habitat constitute the most sensitive applicable beneficial uses requiring the most stringent water quality standards.[4] Development of the Lower Salinas Valley Watershed Nutrient TMDL was intended to reduce and eventually eradicate nitrate pollution for the purpose of human health, the Central Coast Water Board's top priority.

Action Taken since TMDL Approval

Map of The Lower Salinas River Watershed nitrate measurements and possible sources (from CCRWQCB 2012 draft TMDL report)

Proposed implementation actions (section 7.3.3 in 2013 nutrients TMDL) include compliance with the Central Coast Region Agricultural Waiver (Ag order--Order No. R3-2012-0011) with the overarching goals of:

  • "Control[ling] discharge of nutrients to impaired waterbodies and
  • "Implement[ing] management practices capable of achieving interim and final Load Allocations identified in [the latest (2012)] TMDL".

Irrigated agriculture has been identified as the dominant source contributing to the issue of nutrients in the LSRW. Regulations can follow those set forth in the Ag Waiver. It is also advisable for Water Board staff to incorporate educational outreach programs to encourage the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs) on all croplands.

Initial Implementation

The TMDL is implemented through the Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Ag Order) which clearly requires dischargers implement, and where appropriate update or improve, management practices, which may include local or regional control, treatment practices and changes in farming practices to control discharges, meet water quality standards and achieve compliance. If the discharer fails to address water quality they may be subject to progressive enforcement and possible monetary liability. [3] More information regarding dischagers requirements and expectations can be found on the Conditional Waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands (Ag Order) page.

Projects

For complete list, see TMDLs in the Monterey Bay Region of California.

TMDL Projects Currently in Development for the Lower Salinas Valley (2015-2016)

Water Quality Monitoring

The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB) has designated Central Coast Water Quality Preservation, Inc (Preservation, Inc.) as the main non-profit entity to conduct the Cooperative Monitoring Program in compliance with the Ag Order (Order no. R3-2012-0011). Under this order every enrolled grower may conduct their own surface water quality monitoring, or participate in the Cooperative Monitoring Program (CMP). Over 99% of growers have opted to participate in the Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP).

The Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program (CCAMP) conducts monthly monitoring in the Lower Salinas Watershed in order to conduct trend analysis and detect emerging water quality problems.

The Central Coast Water Board's goal is to have all water bodies meet, or under, target TMDL levels by 2025 Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon in Lower Salinas River Watershed in Monterey County, California 2011.

As of March 2020, no public monitoring reports have been released; but monitoring data is available.

The Central Coast Water Board is scheduled to review the TMDL by 2024 in order to recognize new monitoring data and research within the Lower Salinas River Watershed.(Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL - Monitoring Data) [5]

Links

References

  1. Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL Information https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/centralcoast/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/nutrients/
  2. RWQCB Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL Staff Report
  3. 3.0 3.1 Conditional waiver of Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands
  4. TMDL for Nitrogen Compounds and Orthophosphate in the Lower Salinas River Watershed Factsheed #1
  5. Concise Tabular Summary for the Lower Salinas River Watershed TMDL http:://my.reference.link.com

Disclaimer

This page may contain student work completed as part of assigned coursework. It may not be accurate. It does not necessary reflect the opinion or policy of CSUMB, its staff, or students.