Section 3979.7 - Revisions to Recreational Standards for Inland Fresh Surface Waters in the Santa Ana RegionOn June 15, 2012, the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region (Santa Ana Water Board) adopted Resolution No. R8-2012-0001, amending the Water Quality Control Plan for the Santa Ana Region (Basin Plan). The State Water Resources Control Board approved the amendments under Resolution No. R8-2014-0005 on January 21, 2014.
The amendments with regulatory significance are:
1. The deletion of Basin Plan fecal coliform objectives for inland fresh waters designated REC1 (water contact recreation) and REC2 (non-contact water recreation) and replacement of those objectives with a geometric mean E. coli objective.2. The addition of a narrative pathogen objective requiring that waste discharges not cause or contribute to excessive risk of illness from human pathogens.3. The establishment of tiers of REC1-designated inland fresh surface waters based on the intensity of REC1 use in each of those waters and identification of single sample maximum E. coli values that apply to each tier. These single sample maximum values are to be used as an alternative method for assessing probable compliance with the geometric mean E. coli objective for REC1 when insufficient data are available to calculate the geometric mean. The single sample maximum values are intended to be used principally for notification and posting purposes regarding the safety of recreational use of surface waters. The values are also intended to be used as a trigger for further investigation of sources contributing to high bacteria indicator densities.4. The establishment of criteria for the temporary suspension of bacteria objectives and recreational uses for inland surface waters under certain flow conditions.5. The de-designation of REC1 and, in some cases, REC2 beneficial uses for specific waters (specific portions of the Santa-Ana Delhi Channel, Greenville-Banning Channel, Temescal Creek and Cucamonga Creek). These changes in REC1/REC2 designations will be reviewed at least once every three years to confirm their propriety. Where changed conditions warrant it, future amendment of the Basin Plan will be recommended to re-designate REC1 and/or REC2 uses.6. The establishment of numeric bacteria antidegradation targets for waters designated REC2-only. These targets will be used to assess bacteria quality conditions over time and to trigger investigation and corrective actions where necessary.7. Incorporation of an implementation plan that: includes a requirement to develop and implement an approved monitoring plan to assess compliance with the added E. coli objectives; identifies the criteria for suspension of recreational standards (objectives and uses) under certain flow conditions; describes the application of the single sample maximum E. coli values; describes implementation of the antidegradation targets for REC2-only freshwaters; discusses controllable and uncontrollable sources of bacteria inputs to surface waters, which may affect the need for and nature of control actions required by the Regional Board.8. Deletion of the fecal coliform bacteria quality objective for waters designated MUN (municipal and domestic supply beneficial use).9. Addition of waters not currently listed in the Basin Plan and designation of beneficial uses for those waters. These changes to the Basin Plan may or will affect requirements included in waste discharge requirements and the need for and nature of corrective actions, including those specified in investigation or enforcement orders issued to dischargers by the Santa Ana Regional Board, in order to assure compliance with bacteria water quality objectives and protection of beneficial uses. Monitoring pursuant to the amendments that is conducted by the Santa Ana Regional Board and/or by dischargers as required by the Santa Ana Regional Board may provide evidence of water quality standards impairment, requiring the subsequent development and implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads. The suspension of recreation standards under specified flow conditions and changes in REC1 and REC2 designations in certain inland fresh surface waters will allow focused implementation of bacteria control measures by dischargers when and where necessary to meet water quality standards.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 3979.7
1. New section summarizing amendments to basin plan filed 7-2-2014; amendments approved by State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2014-0005 on 1-21-2014; amendments approved by OAL pursuant to Government Code section 11353 on 7-2-2014 (Register 2014, No. 27).1. New section summarizing amendments to basin plan filed 7/2/2014; amendments approved by State Water Resources Control Board Resolution No. 2014-0005 on 1-21-2014; amendments approved by OAL pursuant to Government Code section 11353 on 7-2-2014 (Register 2014, No. 27).