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|450px|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]]
  
 
= Summary =
 
= Summary =
  
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. The numeric targets, report summaries and further information regarding the LSRW can be found at the [[TMDL for Nutrients in Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]] page. Lower Salinas River Watershed water quality is monitored through the [[Central Coast Ambient Monitoring Program]] (CCAMP).
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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]].
  
 
=Background=
 
=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.<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. The numeric targets, report summaries and further information regarding the LSRW can be found at the [[TMDL for Nutrients in Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]] page.
+
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.
  
= Location =
+
=Action Taken since TMDL Approval=
  
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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[[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)]]
  
The Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL applies to the following 303(d) listed water bodies:
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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:
*Lower Salinas River & Tributaries:
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*"Control[ling] discharge of nutrients to [[impaired waterbodies]] and
**Blanco Drain
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*"Implement[ing] management practices capable of achieving interim and final [[Load Allocations]] identified in [the latest (2012)] TMDL".
**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
+
  
=Action Taken since TMDL Approval=
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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.
  
 
==Initial Implementation==
 
==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. <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.
 
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.
  
==Water Quality Monitoring==
+
==Projects==
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.
+
For complete list, see [[TMDLs in the Monterey Bay Region of California]].  
  
==Status of Nitrate==
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TMDL Projects Currently in Development for the Lower Salinas Valley (2015-2016)
The Old Salinas River at Monterey Dunes Way is the only monitoring site in the Lower Salinas River Watershed that has decreasing levels of Nitrate
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*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/elkhorn_slough/do/index.shtml Elkhorn Slough Bennett Slough] (Biostimulatory substances)
 +
*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/sed_tox/index.shtml Salinas River] (sediment toxicity, pyrethroid pesticides)
 +
*[http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/rwqcb3/water_issues/programs/tmdl/docs/salinas/turbidity/index.shtml Salinas River] (turbidity)
  
Salinas River at Davis Rd & Tembladero Slough at Monterey Dunes Way have shown an increasing trend of Nitrate
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==Water Quality Monitoring==
  
Levels of Nitrate
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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).  
[[File:LowersalinasRiver NitrateGraph.JPG|none|Geometric mean of Nitrate levels in water bodies regulated by the Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL, data retrieved from [http://www.ccamp.us/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator].]]
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+
Examples of time series data for CCAMP monitoring sites furthest downstream in the Lower Salinas River Watershed.
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[[File:Tembladero Slough Nitrate.png|800px|Time series data for Nitrate at Tembladero Slough. Data retrieved from: [http://www.ccamp.info/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator]: Basic Water Quality.]]
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[[File:Blanco Drain Nitrate.png|800px|Time series data for Nitrate at Blanco Drain. Data retrieved from: [http://www.ccamp.info/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator]: Basic Water Quality.]]
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[[File:LowerSalinas Nitrate.png|800px|Time series data for Nitrate at the Lower Salinas River. Data retrieved from: [http://www.ccamp.info/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator]: Basic Water Quality.]]
+
 
+
==Status of Un-ionized Ammonia==
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CCAMP has identified a monotonic decreasing trend of Ammonia levels at Tembladero Slough at Haro rd.
+
 
+
Ammonia levels have decreased in the Salinas River at Chualar Bridge and the Gonzales River Road Bridge as well as Chualar Creek at Chualar River Road.
+
 
+
Ammonia levels have increased in the Old Salinas River at Monterey Dunes Way.
+
 
+
Unionized Ammonia Levels in the Lower Salinas River Watershed
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[[File:Lowersalinasriver ammoniaGraph.JPG|none|Geometric mean of un-ionized ammonia levels in water bodies regulated by the Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL, data retrieved from [http://www.ccamp.us/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator].]]
+
  
==Status of Orthophosphate==
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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.  
CCAMP has identified a monotonic decreasing trend of Orthophosphate levels at Tembladero Slough at Haro rd.
+
  
Over the past year, Orthophosphate levels have decreased in the Salinas River at Chualar Bridge and Chualar Creek at Chualar River Road.
+
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].  
  
Orthophosphate levels have increased in the past year in the Old Salinas River at Monterey Dunes Way
+
As of March 2020, no public monitoring reports have been released; but monitoring data is available.
  
Levels of Orthophosphate
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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>
[[File:Lowersalinasriver PGraph.JPG|none|Geometric mean of un-ionized ammonia levels in water bodies regulated by the Lower Salinas River Watershed Nutrient TMDL, data retrieved from [http://www.ccamp.us/ca/view_data.php?org_id=rb3#pagetop CCAMP Central Coast Data Navigator].]]
+
  
 
=Links=
 
=Links=
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* [[Total Maximum Daily Load for Fecal Coliform for the Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]]
 
* [[Total Maximum Daily Load for Fecal Coliform for the Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]]
 
* [[Total Maximum Daily Load for Nutrients in Lower Salinas River Watershed, Monterey County, California]]
 
* [[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]]
 
* [[Total Maximum Daily Loads for Chlorpyrifos and Diazinon in Lower Salinas River Watershed in Monterey County, California]]
 
* [[Approaches to TMDL Development and Implementation in the Monterey Bay Area]]
 
* [[Approaches to TMDL Development and Implementation in the Monterey Bay Area]]
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* [[Watershed Issues on the Central Coast of California]]
 
* [[Watershed Issues on the Central Coast of California]]
 
* [[Central Coast Water Quality Coalition]]
 
* [[Central Coast Water Quality Coalition]]
 +
* [[Monterey Bay Area TMDL Listings - Priorities, Progress, and Documents]]
  
 
= References =
 
= References =

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.