HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgreement A-19-177 with California Department of Parks and Recreation.pdfAgreement No. 19-1 77
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
STANDARD AGREEMENT I
STD 213 (Rev . 10/2018)
AGREEMENT NUMBER
(1870803
PURCHASING AUTHORITY NUMBER (if appl ica ble )
DPR-3790
1. Th is Agreement is entered into between the Contracting Agency and the Contractor named below:
CONTRACTING AGENCY NAME
Department of Parks and Recreation
CONTRACTOR NAME
County of Fresno
2 . The term of this Agreement is:
START DAT E
Notice to Proceed (NTP )
THROUG H END DATE
January 01 , 2023
3. The maximum amount of this Agreement is :
$180,207.36
One hundred eighty thousand two hundred seven dollars and thirty six cents .
4 . The parties agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the following exhibits, which are by this reference made a part of the
Agreement.
EXHIBITS TITLE PAGES
Ex hibit A Scope of Work
Exh i bit A, Additional Scope of Work
Attachment I
Exh ibit 8 Budget Detail and Payment Provisions
Exhibit 8, Cost Sheet
Attachment I
Exh ib it C * General Terms and Conditions
Exhibit D Special Terms and Cond itions
Exhibit D, USFWS Biological Opini on Section 7 Permit
Attachment
A
Exhibit D, Statewide General NPDES Permit No . CAG990005
Attachment
8
Exh i bitD, NMFS Biolog ical Opinion
Attachment
C
ExhibitD, Water Hyacinth Protocol
Attachment
D
Items shown with an asterisk(*), are hereby incorporated by reference and made part of this agreement as if at tached hereto .
These documents can be viewed at www.dgs .ca.gov/ols/resources /standardcontractlanguage .aspx ATTEST:
BERNICE E. SEIDEL
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN EXECUTED BY THE PARTIES HERETO. Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
-----------------------------------County of Fresno , State of California
CONTRACTOR
By Sus.t)Jy-\ ~rx:p CONTRACTOR NAME (if ot he r than an ind iv idual, state wh ether a co rporat ion, partner sh ip, etc.)
County of Fresno
CONTRACTOR BUSINESS ADDRESS
1730 5. Maple Avenue
PRIN TED NAM E OF PERSON SIGNI NG
Nathan Magsig
CITY
Fresno
STATE
CA
TIT LE
Deputy
ZIP
93702
Cha irman , Board of Supervisors
DA TE SIGNED
L/-~ -\
1
2
1
1
2
76
86
86
14
Page 1 of 2
STATE OF CALIFORNIA-DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES .------------------.----------------, STANDARD AGREEMENT
STD 213 (Rev. 10/2018)
CONTRACTING AGENCY NAME
Department of Parks and Recreation
CONTRACTING AGENCY ADDRESS
One Capital Mall, Suite 500
PRINTED NAME OF PERSON SIGNING
Ramona Fernandez
CONTRACTING AGENCY AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
AGREEMENT NUMBER
(1870803
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
CITY
Sacramento
STATE
CA
TITLE
PURCHASING AUTHORITY NUMBER (if applicable)
DPR-3790
ZIP
95814
Deputy Director (A)
DATE SIGNED
California Department of General Services Approval (or exemption, if applicable)
Page 2 of 2
SCOPE OF WORK
EXHiBIT A
Contractor's Name: County of Fresno
Agreement Number: C1870803
Page: 1 of .. _ �1 __
(Standard Agreement)
1.Contractor agrees to provide to the Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Wateiways (DBW),
Water Hyacinth treatment services as described herein:
The Contractor shall initiate and carry out an effective Water Hyacinth control program on the San Joaquin
River and adjacent waterways (tributaries) within the boundaries of the County of Fresno. The program shall
consist of approximately 360 hours of labor for Water Hyacinth treatment, and approximately 5 hours of
administration and supervision.
The treatment shall consist of topical herbicide application and other methods as necessary to effectively
reduce Water Hyacinth plant growth.
2.The services shall be performed at:
Tributaries of the San Joaquin River in the County of Fresno.
3. The services shall be provided during:
The peak season of the Water Hyacinth plant growth, May through October. Services shall be provided Monday
through Friday.
4. The project representatives during the term of this Agreement will be:
State Agency: Department of Parks and Recreation Contractor :county of Fresno, Dept. of Agriculture
Section/Unit: Division of Boating and Waterways Section/Unit: !Weed and Vertebrate Control Unit
t--···
f--· Attention: i Eddie Hard Attention: Mike Kenda
Address: 1 Capitol Mall, Suite 410 Address: 1730 S. Maple Avenue
City/State/Zip Code: Sacramento, CA 95814 City/State/Zip Code: Fresno, CA 93702
Phone:i(916) 327-1865 Phone:i(559) 600-7510 .. __
�--· Fax+916) 327-1775
E-mail Address: I edward .hard""narks.ca .aov
DPR 603 (Rev. 2/20i1)(Excel 2/1012011}
_,_ - --� ... Fax:!
mkonda@fresnocountyca.gov
Additional Scope of Wo rk
1.Definitions
COUNTY OF FRESNO
AGREEMENT-C1870803
EXHIBIT A, ATTACHMENT I
Page 1 of 2
A.Loaned Equipment" means boats, trailers, pumps, GPS devices, or any other equipment
loaned by the Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating & Waterways (DBW)
to the County of Fresno for the Floating Aquatic Vegetation (FAV) Control Program.
B."Purchased Equipment" means equipment purchased with DBW funds for use in the FAV
Control Program, which shall remain the property of the Department of Parks and Recr eation,
Division of Boating and Waterways.
2.Scope of Work
DBW enters into an agreement with the County of Fresno (Contractor) to treat the following,
authorized for control plant s, if found: Water Hyacinth, Water Primrose, Spongeplant, and
Alligatorweed in the San Joaquin River within Fresno and Madera Counties, and its tributaries
within Fresno County, . The proposed work shall be as follows.
A.No FAV treatment shall take place until confirmed by DBW. The Biological Opinions
written by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS dated 3/13/13) and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with National Marine Fisheries Service
(NOAA, NMFS, dated 5/15/18) are attached to this agreement as Exhibit D, Attachment A
and Exhibit D, Attachment C. The Contractor will abide by all regulatory provisions
governing at the time of treatment as detailed in the Biological Opinions pursuant to
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA 12/28/73 as amended 16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq),. The Contractor will be held responsible for any fines associated with
violations of the provisions set forth in ESA Section 7 permits that may occur within their
FAV Control Program jurisdiction as described within the Scope of Work, part C, of this
Agreement.
B.The Contractor shall follow all regulations set forth in the provisions of the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit which has been issued, and
governing at the time of treatment, to DBW by the State Water Resources Control Board.
The NPDES permit is incorporated into this contract by reference and may be referred to
herein. The Contractor shall be held responsible for any fines associated with violations
of the provisions of the NPDES permit.
C.The Contractor shall initiate and carry out an effective FAV Control Program on the San
Joaquin River within Fresno and Madera Counties, and adjacent waterways (tributaries)
within the boundaries of Fresno County.
D.The program shall consist of approximately 2,000 hours of FAV treatment labor and
approximately 80 hours of administration and supervision.
COUNTY OF FRESNO
AGREEMENT -C1870803
EXHIBIT A, ATTACHMENT I
Page 2 of 2
E.The treatment shall consist of topical herbicide application and other methods as
necessary to effectively reduce FAV plant growth.
F.DBW shall provide the Contractor, to the best of the DBW's ability, herbicides and loaned
equipment. The Contractor shall maintain the loaned equipment in good working
condition and repair.
G.The Contractor agrees to repair or replace any equipment loaned or purchased under this
contract if lost, stolen, or damaged.
H.The Contractor shall take a physical inventory of any equipment purchased under this
agreement and reconcile the inventory with the property records at least annually to verify
the existence, current utilization, and continued need for equipment Contractor shall
keep complete and accurate records of all expenditure pertaining to the purchase of
additional equipment and the operation and maintenance of DBW funded vessels: such
records shall be available and open to DBW for inspection and audit by any author ized
DBW representative during business hours.
L Property records shall be maintained by the Contractor and provided to DBW on an
annual basis. Such records shall include a description of the property, manufacturer,
serial number or other identification number, property location, and condition.
3.Duration
The terms of this Agreement shall begin upon notice to proceed and shall continue until
January 01, 2023, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
Contractor's Name: County of Fresno
Agreement Number: C1870803
EXHIBIT B
(Standard Agreement)
BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS
1.Invoicing alld Payment
Page: l of
A.For services satisfactorily rendered, and upon receipt and approval of the invoices, the State agrees to
compensate the Contractor for actual expenditures incurred in accordance with the rates specified in
Cost Sheet , marked Exhibit B, Attachment 1, which is attached hereto
and made a part of this Agreement.
8.Itemized invoices shall include the Agreement Number, service period covered by the invoice, and shall be
submitted in triplicate not more frequently than monthly in arrears to:
2.Budget Contingency Clause
California State Parks
Division of Boating and Wate,ways
Attn: Contract Analyst
1 Capitol Mall, Suite 410
Sacramento, CA 95614
A.It is mutually agreed that if the Budget Act of the current year and/or any subsequent years covered under this
Agreement does not appropriate sufficient funds for the program, this Agreement shall be of no further force
and effect. In this event, the State shall have no liability to pay any funds whatsoever to Contractor or to
furnish any other considerations under this Agreement and Cont ractor shall not be obligated to perform an y
pr ovisions of this Agreement.
8.If funding for any fiscal year is reduced or deleted by the Budget Act for purposes of this program, the
State shall have the option to either cancel this Agreement with no liability occurring to the State, or offer
an agreement amendment to Contractor to reflect the reduced amount
3.Prompt Payment Clause
Payment will be made in accordance with, and within the time specified in, Government Code Chapter4.5,
commencing with Section 927.
4.Timely Submission of Final Invoice
A.A final undisputed invoice shall be submitted for payment no more than ninety (90) calend ar days following
expiration or termination date of this Agreement, unless a later or alternate deadline is agreed to in writing by
the project representative. Said invoice should be clearly marked "Final Invoice," thus indicating that all
payment obligations of the State under this Agreement have ceased and that no further payments are due or
outstanding.
8.The Slate may, at its discretion, choose not to honor any delinquent final invoice if the Contractor fails to
obtain prior written State approval of an alternate final invoice submission deadline. Written State approval
shall be sought from the project representative prior to the expiration or termination date of this Agreement.
5.Travel and Per Diem
A.Any reimbursement for necessary traveling and per diem shall be at rates not to exceed those amounts paid
to the state's represented employees under collective bargaining Agreements currently in effect. No travel
outside the State of California shall be reimbursed unless prior written authorization is obtained from DBW.
DPR 604 (Rev. 4l2000)(Excal 4/26/2006)
COST BREAKDOWN
PERSONNEL SERVICES
Labor Costs IEM����1ir,�
Hours
Hourly Rat!?
Hour1y Rato
Labor Costs
TOTAL LABOR
10% Indirect Coots
TOTAL LABOR PLUS INDIRECT cos·
VEHICLES
Vehicle Mileage
Cost per Mlle
TOTAL MILEAGE COSTS
PARTS 8,. MISC. SUPPLIES
Equipment maintem:mce/purchase
Supplies
Chemicals0
18·19
Yoar1
16
$79.62
1,273.92
400.00
$63.50
60,00
$33.57
$2,685.60
$29,359.62
$2,935.96
1$32,296.47
4,000
0,545
$2,180.00
$1,000.00
COST SHEET
FRESNO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Water Hyacinth Survev/Treiitment Program
19-20
Year 2
18
400.00
$63.50
20-21
Yoar 3
400.00
$63.50
21-22
Year4
$79.62
400.00
$63.50
S25,400.00
\(�mttt'tt&fltttl��'il¢rtl:iff![ffl
00,00 60.00
$33.57 $33.57 533.57
$2,685.60 $2,685,130 $2,885.60
$29,359.62 $29,3•9.62 $29,360.52
$2.036.96 $2,936.05 $2,936.96
$32,296.47 1$32,295.47 $32,296.47
4,000 4,000 4,000
0,545 0.545 0.545
$2,160.00 $2,180.00 $2,180.00
$1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1.000.00
COUNTY OF FRESNO
AGREEMENT· C1870803
EXHIBIT B, Attachment l
PAOE 1 OF1
22-23
Year IS
$79.62
400.00
$63.50
533.57
$2,685.60
$29,358.62
$2,935.95
$_32,296.47
4.000
0.545
$2,180.00
$1,000.00
$568.00 $586,00 $560.00 $556.00 $566.00
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
TOTAL PARTS & MISC, COSTS $1,566.00 $1,566.00 $1,566.00 $1,586.00 $1,566.00 -·FISCAL YEAR TOT AL 11111 lfi½ili: :i#ih ill JUL GRANO TOTAi. . . . . . . .....
-Ch9mleals to ho purchas:&d by
DBW as part of DBWs chomlcol
ordor
$36,041.47 $36,041.47 $361041.47 &azXi &f :iWiiiiiliiiii!ii 11 12 1 U ; iii k 411 180,207,36
Page 1 of 4
GTC 04/2017
EXHIBIT C
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.APPROVAL: This Agreement is of no force or effect until signed by both parties and
approved by the Department of General Services, if required. Contractor may not commence
performance until such approval has been obtained.
2.AMENDMENT: No amendment or variation of the terms of this Agreement shall be valid
unless made in writing, signed by the parties and approved as required. No oral understanding or
Agreement not incorporated in the Agreement is binding on any of the parties.
3.ASSIGNMENT: This Agreement is not assignable by the Contractor, either in whole or in
part, without the consent of the State in the form of a formal written amendment.
4.AUDIT: Contractor agrees that the awarding department, the Department of General Services,
the Bureau of State Audits, or their designated representative shall have the right to review and
to copy any records and supporting documentation pertaining to the performance of this
Agreement. Contractor agrees to maintain such records for possible audit for a minimum of three
(3) years after final payment, unless a longer period of records retention is stipulated. Contractor
agrees to allow the auditor(s) access to such records during normal business hours and to allow
interviews of any employees who might reasonably have information related to such records.
Further, Contractor agrees to include a similar right of the State to audit records and interview
staff in any subcontract related to performance of this Agreement. (Gov. Code §8546.7, Pub.
Contract Code §10115 et seq., CCR Title 2, Section 1896).
5.INDEMNIFICATION: Contractor agrees to indemnify, defend and save harmless the State, its
officers, agents and employees from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any
and all contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, laborers, and any other person, firm or corporation
furnishing or supplying work services, materials, or supplies in connection with the performance
of this Agreement, and from any and all claims and losses accruing or resulting to any person,
firm or corporation who may be injured or damaged by Contractor in the performance of this
Agreement.
6.DISPUTES: Contractor shall continue with the responsibilities under this Agreement during
any dispute.
7.TERMINATION FOR CAUSE: The State may terminate this Agreement and be relieved of
any payments should the Contractor fail to perform the requirements of this Agreement at the
time and in the manner herein provided. In the event of such termination the State may proceed
with the work in any manner deemed proper by the State. All costs to the State shall be deducted
from any sum due the Contractor under this Agreement and the balance, if any, shall be paid to
the Contractor upon demand.
Page 2 of 4
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: Contractor, and the agents and employees of Contractor,
in the performance of this Agreement, shall act in an independent capacity and not as officers or
employees or agents of the State.
9.RECYCLING CERTIFICATION: The Contractor shall certify in writing under penalty of
perjury, the minimum, if not exact, percentage of post consumer material as defined in the Public
Contract Code Section 12200, in products, materials, goods, or supplies offered or sold to the
State regardless of whether the product meets the requirements of Public Contract Code Section
12209. With respect to printer or duplication cartridges that comply with the requirements of
Section 12156(e), the certification required by this subdivision shall specify that the cartridges so
comply (Pub. Contract Code §12205).
10.NON-DISCRIMINATION CLAUSE: During the performance of this Agreement, Contractor
and its subcontractors shall not deny the contract’s benefits to any person on the basis of race,
religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical
condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression,
age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status, nor shall they discriminate unlawfully
against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religious creed, color,
national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic
information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual
orientation, or military and veteran status. Contractor shall insure that the evaluation and
treatment of employees and applicants for employment are free of such discrimination.
Contractor and subcontractors shall comply with the provisions of the Fair Employment and
Housing Act (Gov. Code §12900 et seq.), the regulations promulgated thereunder (Cal. Code
Regs., tit. 2, §11000 et seq.), the provisions of Article 9.5, Chapter 1, Part 1, Division 3, Title 2
of the Government Code (Gov. Code §§11135-11139.5), and the regulations or standards
adopted by the awarding state agency to implement such article. Contractor shall permit access
by representatives of the Department of Fair Employment and Housing and the awarding state
agency upon reasonable notice at any time during the normal business hours, but in no case less
than 24 hours’ notice, to such of its books, records, accounts, and all other sources of information
and its facilities as said Department or Agency shall require to ascertain compliance with this
clause. Contractor and its subcontractors shall give written notice of their obligations under this
clause to labor organizations with which they have a collective bargaining or other agreement.
(See Cal. Code Regs., tit. 2, §11105.)
Contractor shall include the nondiscrimination and compliance provisions of this clause in all
subcontracts to perform work under the Agreement.
11.CERTIFICATION CLAUSES: The CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION CLAUSES
contained in the document CCC 04/2017 are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part
of this Agreement by this reference as if attached hereto.
12.TIMELINESS: Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
Page 3 of 4
13.COMPENSATION: The consideration to be paid Contractor, as provided herein, shall be in
compensation for all of Contractor's expenses incurred in the performance hereof, including
travel, per diem, and taxes, unless otherwise expressly so provided.
14.GOVERNING LAW: This contract is governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance
with the laws of the State of California.
15.ANTITRUST CLAIMS: The Contractor by signing this agreement hereby certifies that if
these services or goods are obtained by means of a competitive bid, the Contractor shall comply
with the requirements of the Government Codes Sections set out below.
a.The Government Code Chapter on Antitrust claims contains the following definitions:
1) "Public purchase" means a purchase by means of competitive bids of goods, services, or
materials by the State or any of its political subdivisions or public agencies on whose behalf the
Attorney General may bring an action pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 16750 of the
Business and Professions Code.
2) "Public purchasing body" means the State or the subdivision or agency making a public
purchase. Government Code Section 4550.
b.In submitting a bid to a public purchasing body, the bidder offers and agrees that if the bid is
accepted, it will assign to the purchasing body all rights, title, and interest in and to all causes of
action it may have under Section 4 of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. Sec. 15) or under the
Cartwright Act (Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 16700) of Part 2 of Division 7 of the
Business and Professions Code), arising from purchases of goods, materials, or services by the
bidder for sale to the purchasing body pursuant to the bid. Such assignment shall be made and
become effective at the time the purchasing body tenders final payment to the bidder.
Government Code Section 4552.
c. If an awarding body or public purchasing body receives, either through judgment or
settlement, a monetary recovery for a cause of action assigned under this chapter, the assignor
shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual legal costs incurred and may, upon demand,
recover from the public body any portion of the recovery, including treble damages, attributable
to overcharges that were paid by the assignor but were not paid by the public body as part of the
bid price, less the expenses incurred in obtaining that portion of the recovery. Government Code
Section 4553.
d. Upon demand in writing by the assignor, the assignee shall, within one year from such
demand, reassign the cause of action assigned under this part if the assignor has been or may
have been injured by the violation of law for which the cause of action arose and (a) the assignee
has not been injured thereby, or (b) the assignee declines to file a court action for the cause of
action. See Government Code Section 4554.
16.CHILD SUPPORT COMPLIANCE ACT: For any Agreement in excess of $100,000, the
contractor acknowledges in accordance with Public Contract Code 7110, that:
Page 4 of 4
a.The contractor recognizes the importance of child and family support obligations and shall
fully comply with all applicable state and federal laws relating to child and family support
enforcement, including, but not limited to, disclosure of information and compliance with
earnings assignment orders, as provided in Chapter 8 (commencing with section 5200) of Part 5
of Division 9 of the Family Code; and
b. The contractor, to the best of its knowledge is fully complying with the earnings assignment
orders of all employees and is providing the names of all new employees to the New Hire
Registry maintained by the California Employment Development Department.
17.UNENFORCEABLE PROVISION: In the event that any provision of this Agreement is
unenforceable or held to be unenforceable, then the parties agree that all other provisions of this
Agreement have force and effect and shall not be affected thereby.
18.PRIORITY HIRING CONSIDERATIONS: If this Contract includes services in excess of
$200,000, the Contractor shall give priority consideration in filling vacancies in positions funded
by the Contract to qualified recipients of aid under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 11200
in accordance with Pub. Contract Code §10353.
19.SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION AND DVBE PARTICIPATION REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS:
a.If for this Contract Contractor made a commitment to achieve small business participation,
then Contractor must within 60 days of receiving final payment under this Contract (or within
such other time period as may be specified elsewhere in this Contract) report to the awarding
department the actual percentage of small business participation that was achieved. (Govt. Code
§ 14841.)
b.If for this Contract Contractor made a commitment to achieve disabled veteran business
enterprise (DVBE) participation, then Contractor must within 60 days of receiving final payment
under this Contract (or within such other time period as may be specified elsewhere in this
Contract) certify in a report to the awarding department: (1) the total amount the prime
Contractor received under the Contract; (2) the name and address of the DVBE(s) that
participated in the performance of the Contract; (3) the amount each DVBE received from the
prime Contractor; (4) that all payments under the Contract have been made to the DVBE; and (5)
the actual percentage of DVBE participation that was achieved. A person or entity that
knowingly provides false information shall be subject to a civil penalty for each violation. (Mil.
& Vets. Code § 999.5(d); Govt. Code § 14841.)
20.LOSS LEADER:
If this contract involves the furnishing of equipment, materials, or supplies then the following
statement is incorporated: It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to
sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in Section 17030 of the Business
and Professions Code. (PCC 10344(e).)
SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.Disputes
Contractor's Name: County of Fresno
Agreement Number: C!870803
EXHIBIT D - PUBLIC ENTITY
(Standard Agreement}
Page: l of 2
Unless otherwise provided in this agreement, any dispute concerning a question of fact arising under this
agreement which cannot be resolved infom,ally shall be decided by the following two-step procedures.
Contractor must provide written notice of the particulars of such disputes to the Project Manager or his/her duly
appointed representative. The Project Manager must respond in writing within ten (10) working days of receipt of
the written notice of dispute. Should Contractor disagree with the Project Manager's decision, Contractor may·
appeal to the second level. Pending the decision on appeal, Contractor shall proceed diligently with the
performance of this agreement in accordance with the Project Manager's decision. The second level appeal must
indicate why the Project Manager's decision is unacceptable, attaching to it Contractor's original statement of the
dispute with supporting documents, along with a copy of the Project Manager's response. The second level
appeal shall be sent to the Deputy Director of Administrative Services or his/her duly appointed representative.
The second level appeal must be filed within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the Pr oject Manager's
decision. Failure to submit an appeal within the period specified shall constitute a waiver of all such right lo an
adjustment of this agreement. The Deputy Director or designee shall meet with Contractor to review the issues
raised. A written decision signed by the Deputy Director or designee shall be returned to Contractor within fifteen
(15)working days of the receipt of the appeal.
2.Tem,ination for Convenience
State reserves the right to tem,inate this agreement subject to 30 days written notice lo Contractor. Contractor
may submit a written request to terminate this agreeme nt only if State should substantially fail to perform its
responsibilities as provided herein.
3.Force Maieure
Except for defaults of subcontractors, neither party shall be responsible for delays or failures in performance
resulting from acts beyond the control of the offending party. Such acts shall inelude but shall not be limited lo
acts of God, fire, flood, earthquake, other natural disaster, nuelear accident, strike, lockout, riot, freight embargo,
public regulated utility, or governmental statutes or regulations superimposed after the fact. If a delay or failure in
perfom,ance by Contractor arises out of a default of its subcontractor, and if such default of Its subcontractor,
arises out of causes beyond the control of both Contractor and subcontractor, and without the fault or negligence
of either of them, Contractor shall not be liable for damages of such delay or failure, unless the supplies or
services to be furnished by subcontractor were obtainable from other sources in sufficient time to permit
Contractor to meet the required performance schedule.
4.Forced, Convict, and Indentured Labor
No foreign-made equipment, materials, or supplies furnished to State pursuant to this agreement may be
produced in whole or in part by forced labor, convict labor, or indentured labor. By submitting a bid to State or
accepting a purchase order, Contractor agrees to comply with this provision of this agre ement.
OPR 605PE (Now 12/2003)(Excel 815/2005)
EXHIBIT D -PUBLIC ENTITY
(Standard Agreement)
5.Potential Subcontractors
Contracto�s Name: County of Fresno
Agreement Number: C\870803
Page: 2 of 2
Nothing contained in this agreement or otherwise, shall create any contractual relation between State and any
subcontractors, and no subcontract shall relieve Contractor of its responsibilities and obligations hereunder.
Contractor agrees to be as fully responsible to State for the acts and omissions of its subcontractors and of
persons either directly or indirectly employed by any of them as tt is for the acts and omissions of persons directly
employed by Contractor. Contracto�s obligation to pay its subcontractors is an independent obligation from
Slate's obligation to make payments to Contractor. As a result, State shall have no obligation to pay or to enforce
the payment of any moneys to any subcontractor.
6.Priomy Hiring Considerations for Contracts with a Value of $200,0tl!l
If the resul!ing agreement will have a total value of $200,000 or more, Contractor is hereby advised that it will be
obligated to give priority consideration in filling vacancies in positions funded by the res ulting agreement to
qualified recipients of aid under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 11200. This requirement shall not interfere
with or require a violation of a collective bargaining agreement, a federal affirmative action obligation for hiring
disabled veterans of the Vietnam era, or nondiscrimination compliance laws of California and does not require the
employment of unqualified recipients of aid.
7.Intellectual Property
Any wor1<s developed during and/or pursuant to this agreement by Contractor, including all related copyrights and
other proprietary rights therein, as may now exist and/or which hereafter come into existence, shall belong to
State upon creation, and shall continue in State's exclusive ownership upon termination of this agreement.
Contractor further intends and agrees to assign to State all right, title and interest in and to such materials as well
as all related copyrights and other proprietary rights therein.
Contractor agrees to cooperate with State and to execute any document or documents that may be found to be
necessary to give the foregoing provisions full force and effect, including but not limited to, an assignment of
copyright.
Contractor agrees not to incorporate into or make the works developed, dependent upon any original works of
authorship or Intellectual Property Rights of third partie s without first (a) obtaining state's prior written permission,
and (b) granting to or obtaining for State a nonexclusive, ro yalty-free, paid-up, irrevocable, perpetual, world-wide
license, to use, reproduce, sell, modify, publicly and privately display and distribute, for any purpose whatsoever,
any such prior works.
8.Contractor's Duties. Obligations and Rights
Contractor is hereby apprised that California Public Contract Code Section 10335 through 10381 are applicable
relative to Contractor's duties, obligations, and rights in performing the agreement.
DPR 605PE
Exhibit D Attachment A
Dr. Raymond I. Canuthers 2
On June 1, 2001, the Service issued a biological opinion (BO) for the WHCP (Service file No. l-l-
01-F-0050). This biological opinion was subsequently amended five times (Service file No.'s 1-1-
02-F-0157, 1-1-03-F-0114, 1-1-04-F-0113, and 81410-2011-F-0035). This current consultation for
the 2013-2017 WHCP was submitted to the Service due to changes in the project description and
updates to the delta smelt status of the species that have occurred since issuance of the previous
BOs and amendments.
This document hereby represents the Service's BO on the effects ofCDBW's WHCP the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries on the federally-threatened delta smelt and its
critical habitat. This BO supersedes the Service's June 1, 2001, biological opinion and its
amendments.
This biological opinion is based on the following information:
1)The USDA-ARS and CDBW October 25, 2012, Water Hyacinth Control Program
Biological Assessment (BA) and Supplemental Materials Binder (BA Binder);
2)The CDBW's November 20, 2009, Programmatic Environmental Impact Report Volume
I, II, and III;
3)The CDBW's WHCP 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 Annual Reports;
4)The CDBW's February 14, 2013, e-mail titled WHCP-Responses to Questions Raised by
the Service;
5)Numerous electronic mails, phone conversations, and meetings between the CDBW,
USDA-ARS, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and the Service between
October 2012 and March 2013; and
6)other information available to the service.
June 1, 2001
April 27, 2011
CONSULTATION HISTORY
The Service issued a BO (Service file No. 1-1-01-F-0050) to the
USDA-ARS. Associated amendments were written by the Service the
following three years (Service file No.'s 1-1-02-F-0157, 1-1-03-F-
0114, and 1-1-04-F-0l 13).
USDA-ARS issued a letter requesting reinitiation of formal
consultation for the WHCP.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
June 30, 2011
October 19,2011
October 31, 2011
January 18, 2012
March 5, 2012
March 23, 2012
March 30, 2012
December 2011 through
June 2012
October 25, 2012
December 12, 2012
January 3, 2013
3
The Service issued a letter to USDA-ARS for the WHCP requesting
additional information regarding potential effects. The Service
determined the WHCP may continue to operate under the Service's
May 21, 2004, biological opinion (Service file number 1-1-04-F-
0149) for the 2011 treatment season.
USDA-ARS issued a letter requesting to extend the WHCP to
November 30, 2011.
The Service issued a letter stating that no extension was required as
long as the WHCP was operating as the project was described within
the latest May 21, 2004, amended biological opinion (Service File No.
1-1-04-F-0113).
The Service met with CDBW, USDA-ARS, and NMFS to discuss the
proposed 2012 WHCP and the project's federal nexus.
The USDA-ARS issued a letter requesting reinitiation of formal
consultation.
The USDA-ARS provided additional information to the Service
responding to the Service's June 30, 2011, request for more
information.
The Service met with CDBW, USDA-ARS, and NMFS to further
discuss the 2012 WHCP.
The Service, the USDA-ARS and the CDBW exchanged
e-mail communications regarding the 2012 project description.
The Service received a letter from USDA requesting formal ESA
section 7 consultation on the 2013-2017 WHCP. The Service also
received a BA and a BA Binder prepared by USDA and CDBW for
the consultation.
The Service requested a meeting to discuss numerous updates to the
. 2013-2017 WHCP project description.
The Service received a copy of information regarding changes to the
project description that had been provided to the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) by the USDA-ARS on January 3, 2013.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 5
Action Area
USDA-ARS and CDBW propose to apply herbicide products and physical removal methods to
control water hyacinth in the Delta (See Fi gure 1; Treatment Areas 1, 2, 3, and a portion of 4) and
the San Joaquin River (SJR; See Figure 2; Treatment Area a portion of 3 and 4) waterways for 5
years (2013-2017). Fi gures 1 and 2 below illustrate the WHCP treatment Areas 1, 2, 3, and 4 and
are referred to as such throughout this document. There are approximately 350 treatment sites with
water hyacinth mats that average between one and two miles in length. Only waterways within any
given treatment site are actually part of the action area, and in any given treatment season water
hyacinth is growing, and treated in, only a portion of the 350 total treatment sites. The general
boundaries for the treatment area are as follows:
•West up to and including Sherman Island at the confluence of the Sacramento and San
Joaquin Rivers ;
•West up to the Sacramento Northern Railroad to include water bodies north of the southern
confluence of the Sacramento River and Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel;
•North to the northern confluence of the Sacramento River and Sacramento River Deep
Water Ship Channel, plus waters within Lake Natoma;
•South along the San Joaquin River to Mendota, just east of Fresno;
•East along the San Joaquin River to Friant Dam on Millerton Lake;
•East along the Tuolumne River to LaGrange Reservoir below Don Pedro Reservoir; and
•East along the Merced River to Merced Falls, below Lake McClure.
Water Hyacinth Control Program
WlliAre.11
Areal
1\111Arell3
i. � -! Legal Della Boundary
Quad.rangle,
Water Hyadnlh Control Program
R:Ar,,1
UAre•>
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEP A). Treatment timelines and Areas
proposed for each of the herbicides and adjuvants can be found in the Conservation Measures
10
The utilization of additional herbicides on the treatment of water hyacinth reduces the potential for
target species to develop resistance. While there are no indications of water hyacinth resistance to
date, some terrestrial species of weeds have developed resistance to glyphosate (Powles 2008) or
acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 2012).
Resistance is an important consideration in use of any herbicide over a long period of time. In
terrestrial applications, some plants have become resistant to glyphosate or the ALS inhibitors after
many ( over ten) years of use. Resistance is not necessarily the same across terrestrial and aquatic
plants, and generally is species specific. However, because WHCP is a long-term control program,
it will be prudent to increase the portfolio of herbicide active ingredients and of non-herbicide
treatment options in order to reduce the potential for resistance. Rotating treatments after several
years among herbicides with different modes of action reduces the potential for a plant to develop
resistance. USDA-ARS, WHCP environmental scientists and Pest Contr ol Advisors will evaluate
water hyacinth response to program herbicides over time to identify potential resistance problems.
Crews will conduct treatments with hand-held sprayers applied from aluminum airboats or
aluminum outboard motor boats. The work boats will be equipped with direct metering of
herbicides, adjuvants, and water pump systems. The crews will spray the chemical mixture directly
onto the plants utilizing pump-driven hand-held spray nozzles. The pump will mix calibrated
amounts of herbicide, adjuvant, and water. The WHCP will apply the chemicals at the herbicide
label-specified rates. Treatment crews will follow specific requirements, as described, to account
for wind, DO, drinking water intakes, agricultural intakes, and total acres treated. Treatment crews
will follow all label requirements, and implement the new Fish Passage Protocol (to ensure that
migratory fish are not impacted by the WHCP).
WHCP will only treat those sites that have water hyacinth infestations, treating only the water
hyacinth plants within those sites. WHCP may also be limited by time and resource constraints.
Within a given treatment location, WHCP will treat according to current herbicide label
requirements to limit potential for decaying plants to result in low DO levels.
Treatment sites within the Delta range from 6.5 acres to 1,707 acres in size, with an average of
219 acres. Thus, there may be several different water hyacinth infestations spread out within a
site that require treatment. In these cases, WHCP will treat all water hyacinth mats in the site as
time and resources allow. Repeat treatments may utilize a different herbicide, depending on
conditions at the site.
When determining whether a given mat of water hyacinth will be treated again, WHCP crews
will utilize the following guidelines:
1)Only one treatment will occur if after the herbicide has had time to take effect, the
initial treatment was effective in killing the majority of water hyacinth plants at that
site.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 11
2)A second treatment will occur if buffer strips for fish passage were left untreated. In
this case, CBDW will return to treat the remainder of the site (new or previously
untreated plants) after the specified time between treatments (per herbicide
requirements).
3)A second treatment of previously treated water hyacinth will occur if the first
treatment was not effective in killing the plants. In this case, CDBW will not conduct
the second treatment until the specified time period, per label directions.
4)The actual number of locations and numbered treatment sites that will be treated more
than once depends on factors such as herbicide efficiency, growth of the water
hyacinth plants and tidal movement that cannot be easily predicted. WHCP will seek
to minimize the number of times that a given water hyacinth mat will be treated and
will follow herbicide labels regarding total number of applications allowed.
Daily treatments occur Monday through Thursday when weather, wind-speed, and other
environmental conditions are favorable for treatment to be maximized. On any given treatment
day, treatment acres per day are limited by: (1) the number of crews available; (2) travel time to
reach the site; (3) time required to set-up, conduct monitoring, and treat a site; (4) the amount of
water hyacinth growing at a particular site; (5) the herbicide label restrictions; (6) fish passage
protocols; and (7) weather and tide conditions. The crew can treat, on average, between 5 and 16
acres based on historical data from 2007 through 2011.
Herbicides used in WHCP
2,4-D
2,4-D is a systemic herbicide specific to broadleaf plants. The active ingredient in this phenoxy
herbicide is 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid dimethylamine salt. 2,4-D is soluble in water and
chemically stable. 2,4-D is absorbed through the leaves and takes approximately four to six hours
to enter the phloem of the plant where it mimics plant regulating hormones leading to abnormal
growth patterns and death of the plant. 2,4-D has a relatively short half-life and is rather
immobile in the soil. Breakdown in soil and groundwater: 2, 4-D has low soil persistence. The
half-life in soil is less than 7 days (W auchope et al. 1992). Soil microbes are primarily
responsible for its disappearance (Howard 1991). Despite its short half-life in soil and in aquatic
environments, the compound has been detected in groundwater supplies in at least five States and
in Canada (Howard 1991). Monitoring data indicates that concentrations of2,4-D have been
detected in ground, surface, and finished drinking water (EPA 2005).
Decomposition of herbicides in water depends on a number of characteristics, including: water
quality, sediments in the water, temperature, and chemical properties of the herbicide. A review of
34 research papers concerning the persistence of2,4-D in water under both laboratory and field
conditions concluded that (1) under laboratory conditions, 2,4-D in water decomposed in periods
of hours to days; and (2) under some warm water field conditions, 2,4-D has consistently been
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 12
shown to be reduced to non-detectable levels in closed water bodies in approximately one month;
and (3) persistence of 2,4-D at extremely low levels may be encouraged by water movements in
lakes, reservoirs, and streams (Gren 1983) ..
The chemical 2,4-D breaks down due to photodecomposition or by algal or bacterial
decomposition (ESA/Madrone 1984). The aqueous half-life of 2,4-D (time in which one-half of
the material is degraded) in a set of pools was 10 to 11 days. In a study with natural waters, 2,4-D
half-life ranged from 0.5 to 6.6 days (HSDB 2001). Walters (1999) reported an aqueous
photolysis half-life for 2,4-D, at 25C, of 13.0 days, and an aqueous aerobic half-life of 15.0 days.
Breakdown in water: In aquatic environments, microorganisms readily degrade 2, 4-D. Rates of
breakdown increase with increased nutrients, sediment load, and dissolved organic carbon. Under
oxygenated conditions the half-life is one to several weeks (Howard 1991 ).
For treating water hyacinth, 2, 4-D will applied at a rate of between two and four quarts per acre,
per label specifica6ons. This is equivalent to 1.9 to 3.8 pounds of active ingredient per acre. It
will be applied using a broadcast spray method.
For the majority of sites treated with 2,4-D, it will be preferable to conduct spot treatments
directly onto water hyacinth leaves. For sites that are heavily vegetated, buffer strips will be
created and another treatment will occur, if needed, after the treated vegetation has decayed.
Treatment crews may return to a site to spray locations within a site that were not previously
treated, or to retreat regrowth in previously treated plants only after plants killed in the initial
treatment have decayed or floated away, no sooner than 21 days.
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is a broad spectrum, non-selective, systemic herbicide. The active ingredient is
glyphosate isopropylamine salt. It is water soluble and mixes readily with water and non-ionic
surfactants. Glyp hosate moves through the plant from the foliage to the root system. Glyphosate
prevents the synthesis of certain amino acids essential for plant survival. Visible effects on the
plant occur within 3 or more weeks and include gradual wilting and yellowing of the plant,
advancing to complete browning.
Glyphosate is moderately persistent in soil, with an estimated average half-life of 47 days (Weed
Science Society 1994; Wauchope et al. 1992). Reported field half-life range from 1 to 17 4 days
(Wauchope et al. 1992). It is strongly adsorbed to most soils, even those with lower organic and
clay content (Wauchope et al. 1992 and Weed Science Society 1994). Thus, even though it is
highly soluble in water, field and laboratory studies show it does not leach appreciably, and has
low potential for runoff (except as adsorbed to colloidal matter) (Wauchope et al. 1992). One
estimate indicated that less than 2 percent of the applied chemical is lost to runoff (Malik et al.
1989). Microbes are primarily responsible for the breakdown of the product, and volatilization or
photodegradation losses will be negligible (Weed Science Society 1994).
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 15
Imazamox
Imazamox is a relatively new aquatic herbicide active ingredient. The chemical structure of
imazamox is illustrated in Figure 3-12, left. The aquatic formulation of imazarnox, Clearcast®,
received USEPA approval through the reduced risk program in 2008 (SERA 2010). The WHCP
will initially utilize this imazamox active ingredient product.
CDPR approved imazamox for aquatic use in August, 2012. Imazamox was approved for
terrestrial use by the USEPA in 1997, and by the California DPR, in 2002. Clearcast consists of
12.1 percent solution of the ammonium salt ofimazamox (2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-
methylethyl)-5-oxo-1 H-imidazol-2-yl]-5-(methyoxymethyl)-3-pyridinecarboxylic acid). It is in
the imidazolinone herbicide family, along with imazapyr. The mode of action is similar to
penoxsulam and imazapyr, inhibiting the acetolactate synthase (ALS) enzyme, blocking the
synthesis of three essential amino acids, leucine, isoleucine, and valine (Washington DOE 2012).
Imazamox is a relatively fast-acting systemic herbicide. It is rapidly absorbed into the foliage and
translocated throughout the plant by phloem and xylem tissues (Wash ington DOE 2012).
Irnazamox inhibits plant growth within the first 24 hours, with visual symptoms appearing about
one week after treatment. Symptoms include yellowing leaves and general discoloration. Water
hyacinth plants are dead within six weeks after treatment (Burns 2009). In one greenhouse study,
Clearcast was more effective at controlling water hyacinth within five weeks (94 percent control)
than Habitat® (imazapyr) (79 percent control), but slightly less effective than gl yphosate (99
percent control). However, Clearcast and Habitat required less than 25 percent as much active
ingredient as gl yphosate treatment (Emerine et al. 2010). Langeland et al. (2009) identify
imazamox as excellent in controlling water hyacinth in Florida.
Irnazamox is highly soluble in water, and is mobile to highly mobile in soil (Washington DOE
2012; USEPA 2008). The organic carbon sorption coefficient, Koc, ofimazamox is between 5
and 143 (indicating weak adsorption). Volatization of imazamox is not significant (USEP A
1997). Imazamox has a low potential for bioaccumulation (Washington DOE 2012).
The primary method of degradation of imazamox in surface water is photolytic (Washington
DOE 2012). Photolytic degradation is influenced by water depth, water clarity, and season, and
continues via microbial action to carbon dioxide. The half-life in water ranges from five to
fifteen days (Washington DOE 2012). CDPR identified imazamox as having the potential to
pollute groundwater due to its high water solubility; however, in well-lit waters, imazamox
breaks down quickly (Washington DOE 2012). US EPA concluded that even if imazamox
persists in dark or turbid waters it is unlikely to present a risk to fish, invertebrates, birds, or
mammals (Washington DOE 2012).
Imazamox is moderately persistent in soil, degrading aerobically to a non-herbicidal metabolite
which is immobile or moderately mobile in soil (USEP A 1997). The primary metabolite is a
demethylated parent chemical with intact ring structures and two carboxylic acid groups. A
secondary metabolite is a demethylated, decarboxylated parent with intact rings and one
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
WHCP Monitoring Program
The CDBW, with assistance from USDA-ARS and California Department of Food and
Agriculture (CDFA), conducts extensive monitoring for the WHCP. The WHCP will conduct
extensive monitoring for the program. The WHCP will be responsible for collecting water
quality monitoring data, as well as collecting water samples for chemical residue testing.
19
Based on NPDES permit requirements, WHCP will follow a monitoring protocol. This protocol
has historically fulfilled requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, NOAA
Fisheries, and USFWS. At each monitoring site, WHCP's environmental scientists will take
samples immediately pre-application (upstream and adjacent to the water hyacinth mat), and
immediately post-application (downstream of the treatment area). WHCP environmental
scientists will also take samples one week following treatment (upstream, adjacent to, and
downstream of the treatment area).
At each sampling event, environmental scientists wm take samples from the following six
locations:
1)Pre-treatment, in site
2)Pre-treatment, control
3)Immediately post-treatment, downstream
4)Within 7 days, in site
5)Within 7 days, downstream
6)Within 7 days, control
The WHCP will select monitoring sites that reflect a mix of water types (tidal, riverine, and tidal
dead-end), herbicides, and different habitat types. The WHCP will revise the monitoring approach
to comply with the new NPDES General Permit, as described below.
At each monitoring site, WHCP environmental scientists will monitor DO, turbidity, pH, and
several other water quality measures. WHCP environmental scientists will collect water in
bottles, packed in ice, and submit them to a Certified Analytical Laboratory to measure chemical
residue levels.
Coordination between treatment crews and monitoring crews will be very structured. Treatment
and monitoring plans will be established in advance. Before any treatment or monitoring, crews
will confer to make sure both crews know what sites will be treated and monitored on that day.
The treatment crew will stand by until the monitoring crew completes the pre-treatment
sampling, at which time the monitoring crew will give the treatment crew the "all clear" to begin
treatment. The treatment crew will contact the monitoring crew as soon as treatment is complete
so post-treatment monitoring can begin as required. Treatment and monitoring crews will be in
separate vessels. Monitoring vessels will not carry herbicide to minimize any contamination that
might occur.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 20
Environmental scientists plan to also conduct special monitoring of DO to determine the impact
of water hyacinth and the WHCP on DO levels. For this study, crews will measure DO to
evaluate the impact of water hyacinth and water hyacinth treatments on DO.
WHCP treatment crews will conduct daily monitoring, in addition to the extensive monitoring to be
conducted by WHCP environmental scientists. Treatment crews will monitor and report pre-and
post-treatment DO, wind speed, temperature, acres treated, quantity of herbicide and adjuvant,
presence of elderberry shrubs or other species of concern, and coordinates of treatment location. The
table below lists monitoring requirements for WHCP environmental scientists and WHCP treatment
crews.
Table 2: WHCP Environmental Monitoring Requirements
Treatment Crews (for each site treated) Environmental Scientists (for each sample event)
I.Water temperature (°C) 1. Water temperature (°C)
2.Dissolved oxygen (DO, mg1L or parts per 2.Dissolved oxygen (DO, mg1L or ppm)
million (ppm))3.Turbidity (NTU)
3. Wind speed (mph)4.pH
4.Coordinates of treatment location 5.Salinity (ppt)
5. Presence of elderberry shrubs 6.Specific conductance (mS/cm)
6.Presence of species of concern 7.Water depth (feet)
7.Acres treated 8.Tide cycle
8.Quantity of herbicide and adjuvant 9.Water samples (pre-treatment, post-treatment,
control; submitted to a Certified Analytical
Laboratory)
The State Water Quality Control Board is updating the NPDES General Permit, with a draft for
public comment released on June 27, 2012, and a final version for Board approval expected in
spring 2013. A copy of the draft NPDES General Permit is provided in the BA Binder. The new
General Permit requires a sampling frequency of six application events per year for each
environmental setting (flowirtg water and non-flowing water), per herbicide. Gl yphosate will
require sampling for only one application event per year, based on the low herbicide levels found
in prior year sampling.
Once WHCP has provided the SWRCB with results from six consecutive application events
showing concentrations that are less than the receiving water limitation/trigger for an active
ingredient in a specific environmental setting, WHCP sampling shall be reduced to one
application event per year for that active ingredient in that environmental setting. The Table
above, provides the receiving water limits and monitoring triggers for the four potential WHCP
herbicides. These maximum limitations are all above the calculated maximum concentrations for
2,4-D, gl yphosate, penoxsulam, and imazamox and can be found in Appendix 1.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 21
Conservation Measures
The CDBW proposes that this action may result in incidental take of delta smelt. Additionally,
GGS and VELB, federally listed species, occur within the project area. The Service has
determined GGS and VELB may be affected, but are not likely to be adversely affected by the
project based on avoidance measures and the applicant's proposed conservation measures for
GGS and VELB, which have been included below. CDBW proposes the following conservation
measures be implemented into the project:
1)Personnel involved with the WHCP will participate in a worker environmental
awareness program taught by a Service-approved biologist. Under this program,
workers will be informed about the presence of delta smelt, GGS, VELB, and its
associated habitat, and that unlawful take of the animal or destruction of its habitat is
a violation of the Act. Prior to chemical application activities, a qualified biologist
approved by the Service will instruct all personnel about:
a.Species identification and adverse effect avoidance/minimization
guidelines for delta smelt, GGS, and VELB;
b.The life history of the delta smelt, GGS and VELB;
c.The importance of delta smelt migratory routes, the importance of
irrigation canals, marshes/wetlands, and seasonally flooded areas to
GGS, the importance of elderberry shrubs as habitat for VELB and
maps marking these areas will be created for WHCP personnel; and
d.All terms and conditions of this biological opinion for protection,
avoidance and minimization of adverse effects to protected species
under the Act.
2)All herbicide applications will be made according to registered pesticide label
specifications, California code of regulations, and NPDES guidelines.
3)Herbicide application near special status species and their associated habitat to include
sensitive riparian and wetland habitat; and other biologically important resources will
be avoided.
4)All treatment crews will implement best management practices to minimize the risk of
spilling herbicides.
Dr. Raymond I. Ca1n1thers 22
CDBW proposes the following avoidance and minimization measures to reduce possible effects
to delta smelt and its critical habitat in the project areas:
1) USDA-ARS and CDBW will conduct a DO monitoring study to evaluate the ongoing
impacts of water hyacinth and water hyacinth treatment on DO. During the 2013
treatment season, USDA-ARS and CDBW will place stationary logging DO meters at
up to three pair locations (under a water hyacinth mat and at an adjacent open water
site). Meters will be left in place for several weeks, including at least one week prior
to treatment, and three weeks post-treatment. The DO meters will log DO and
temperature every one-half hour during the entire period. Data will be summarized
graphically and in a written report. The study will include, at a minimum, two sites
with different characteristics, for example, one site in a dead-end slough, and one site
with stronger tidal influence.
2)USDA-ARS will first coordinate with the Service to develop, and then implement a
toxicological study plan relating to the effects of imazamox and penoxsulam on delta
smelt, larvae, and eggs. The study will be approved by the Service and completed
prior to the utilization of these herbicides in Areas 1 and 2.
3)Area 1 will be managed by the WHCP as follows:
a.For WHCP treatment sites located in Area 1, the usage of the
herbicides 2,4-D and Glyphosate, as well as the adjuvant Agri-dex,
will be limited to the period between June 1 and November 30 to avoid
and minimize adverse effects to delta smelt and/or their critical habitat.
4)Areas 2, 3, and 4 will be managed by the WHCP as follows:
a.CDBW will begin conducting regular field surveys in late-February to
identify re-growing water hyacinth (seen as re-greening of winter
stunted plants). Surveys will focus on back-water and dead end
locations and other known nursery areas. CDBW will document the
locations and photograph the sites with areas of more than 100 square
feet of re-growing water hyacinth.
b.A CDBW environmental scientist will compare these surveyed
locations to the most recent state and federal fish monitoring data.
c.Between March 1 and July 1, A CDBW environmental scientist will
prepare a weekly summary list for the Service's primary contact. If the
Service has concerns or issue, the Service will contact DCBW. The
information provided to the Service will include:
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 23
1.Site number(s), size of the water hyacinth mat, and
map of potential early treatment sites
11.Whether or not listed fish species are known to be
present
d.For WHCP treatment sites located in Area 2, the usage of the
herbicides 2,4-D and Glyp hosate as well as the adjuvant Agri-dex will
be limited, based on the above criteria, to the period between March 1
and November 30 to avoid and minimize effects to delta smelt and/or
its critical habitat.
e.For WHCP treatment sites located in Area 3, the usage of the
herbicides 2,4-D, Glyphosate, imazamox, and penoxsulam as well as
the adjuvants Agri-dex and/or Competitor will be limited, based on the
above criteria, to the period between March 1 and November 30 to
avoid and minimize effects to delta smelt and/or its critical habitat.
f.For WHCP treatment sites located in Area 4, the usage of the
herbicides 2,4-D, Gl yp hosate, imazamox, and penoxsulam as well as
the adjuvants Agri-dex and/or Competitor will be limited, based on the
above criteria, to the period between March 1 and November 30 to
avoid and minimize effects to delta smelt and/or its critical habitat.
5)To provide a zone of passage through areas of low DO, the Fish Passage Protocol
described below will be incorporated into WHCP operations:
a.In slow-moving and back-end sloughs infested with water hyacinth,
CDBW will treat up to 30 percent of water hyacinth mats at one time.
Mats will be treated in up to 3 acre strips, leaving at least 100 foot
buffer strips between treated areas. The untreated buffer strips and
remaining 70 percent of the water hyacinth mat will be treated at least
three more times following the initial treatment (in 30 percent
increments). Follow-up treatments will occur in three week intervals.
b.In Delta tidal waters, CDBW will treat up to 50 percent of the water
hyacinth mat at one time. Mats will be treated in up to 3 acre strips,
leaving at least 100 foot buffer strips between treated areas. The
untreated buffer strips and remaining 50 percent of the mat will be
treated three weeks following the initial treatment for 2,4-D
treatments, and one week following initial treatment for other
herbicides.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
c.If DO levels in an area to be treated area at a level considered to be
detrimental to fish species prior to treatment (below 3 mg/liter), the
CDBW may treat the entire area (without the 3 area strips or buffer
strips), therefore allowing the DO levels to increase to beneficial use
levels once the water hyacinth is controlled.
d.For each treatment site and herbicide application, CDBW staff shall
follow herbicide label requirements, as specified, to reduce the
potential for low DO.
24
e.When follow-up herbicide applications of previously treated plants are
required, CBDW staff shall follow herbicide label requirements, as
specified, regarding the number of treatments and time between
treatments.
6)The WHCP will operate under the regulations imposed by the NPDES. The WHCP
will operate within the numeric limits of DO concentrations within the legal
boundaries of the Delta, which are listed below:
a.7.0 mg/1 in the Sacramento River (below the I Street Bridge) and in all
Delta waters west of the Antioch Bridge;
b.6.0 mg/1 in the San Joaquin river (between Turner Cut and Stockton),
September 1 through November 30; and
c.5.0 mg/1 in all other Delta Waters.
CDBW proposes the following avoidance and minimization measures to reduce possible effects
to GGS in the project areas:
1)Treatment crews will be provided electronic mapping tools that identify previously
surveyed and sensitive areas for GGS.
2)Disturbance of upland GGS habitat will be conducted between May 1 and October 1.
This is the "active season" for GGS and direct effects are lessened, because GGS are
actively moving and avoiding danger.
3)Mechanical removal of water hyacinth in sensitive GGS habitat, or areas where GGS
has been sighted in the past, will only be conducted outside of the May 1 and October
1 active GGS season.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 25
4)The mechanical harvester will maintain a speed of 2 to 2 ½ knots in areas outside of
sensitive GGS habitat, or areas where GGS has been sighted in the past, during the
active season, making it likely if GGS were to be in the area, they would be able to
move out of the way.
5)The mechanical harvester will stop and/or reverse the harvester if a snake is seen
within water hyacinth during removal.
6)All water hyacinth collected by handpicking or mechanical removal outside of the
active season (May 1-October 1) for GGS will be disposed of at an approved disposal
facility to ensure no hibernating GGS are buried under piles of collected water
hyacinth.
CDBW proposes the following avoidance and minimization measures to reduce possible effects
to VELB in the project areas:
1)For most treatment sites, CDBW will maintain a 100 foot buffer between treatment
sites and shoreline elderberry shrubs.
2)Currently numbered treatment sites with relatively large numbers of valley elderberry
shrubs include: 10, 11, 46, 47, 48, 99,234,511,529, 707, 708, and 710. At some of
these sites, the 100 foot buffer requirement may preclude CDBW's ability to treat
water hyacinth. In those cases, CDBW will utilize a 50 foot buffer between treatment
sites and valley elderberry shrubs. However, when utilizing the 50 foot buffer, CDBW
will only treat when winds are less than 3 mph. This will further minimize potential
for drift.
3)All herbicide application will occur downwind of elderberry shrubs.
4)When utilizing the 100 foot buffer, no WHCP herbicide application will occur if the
wind speed is greater than 10 mph, or 7 mph in Contra Costa County.
5)A coarse droplet size spray will be utilized to avoid the potential for drift.
6)Although it is unlikely that herbicide treatments will affect elderberry shrubs based on
conservation measures implemented, pre-and post-treatment surveys of elderberry
bushes will be conducted on an annual basis.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 27
common along the western coast of North America. Despite morphological similarities, the delta
smelt is less-closely related to the wakasagi (H. nipponensis), an anadromous western Pacific
species introduced to Central Valley reservoirs in 1959, and may be seasonally sympatric with
delta smelt in the estuary (Trenham et al. 1998). Allozyme studies have demonstrated that
wakasagi and delta smelt are genetically distinct and presumably derived from different marine
ancestors (Stanley et al. 1995). Genetic introgression among H. transpacificus and H
nipponensis is low.
Life History and Biology
Adults: Spawning
Adult delta smelt spawn during the late winter and spring months, with most spawning occurring
during April through mid-May (Moyle 2002). Spawning occurs primarily in sloughs and shallow
edge areas in the Delta. Delta smelt spawning has also been recorded in Suisun Marsh and the
Napa River (Moyle 2002). Most spawning occurs at temperatures between 12-18°C. Although
spawning may occur at temperatures up to 22 °C, hatching success of the larvae is very low
(Bennett 2005). Fecundity of females ranges from about 1,200 to 2,600 eggs, and is correlated
with female size (Moyle 2002). Moyle et al. (1992) considered delta smelt fecundity to be
"relatively low." However, based on Winemiller and Rose (1992), delta smelt fecundity is fairly
high for a fish its size. In captivity, females survive after spawning and develop a second clutch
of eggs (Mager et al. 2004); field collections of ovaries containing eggs of different size and
stage indicate that this also occurs in the wild (Adib-Samii 2008). Captive delta smelt can spawn
up to 4-5 times. While most adults do not survive to spawn a second season, a few (<5 percent)
do (Moyle 2002; Bennett 2005). Those that do survive are typically larger (90-110 mm Standard
Length [sdl]) females that may contribute disproportionately to the population's egg supply
(Moyle 2002 and references therein). Two-year-old females may have 3-6 times as many ova as
first year spawners.
Most of what is known about delta smelt spawning habitat in the wild is inferred from the
l.ocation of spent females and young larvae captured in the California Department of Fish and
Game Spring Kodiak Trawl (SKT) and 20-mm survey, respectively. In the laboratory, delta smelt
spawned at night (Baskerv ille-Bridges et al. 2000; Mager et al. 2004). Other smelts, including
marine beach spawning species and estuarine populations and the landlocked Lake Washington
longfin smelt, are secretive spawners, entering spawning areas during the night and leaving
before dawn. If this behavior is exhibited by delta smelt, then delta smelt distribution based on
the SKT, which is conducted during daylight hours in offshore habitats, may reflect general
regions of spawning activity, but not actual spawning sites.
Delta smelt spawning has only been directly observed in the laboratory and eggs have not been
found in the wild. Consequently, what is known about the mechanics of delta smelt spawning is
derived from laboratory observations and observations of related smelt species. Delta smelt eggs
are I mm diameter and are adhesive and negatively buoyant (Moyle I 976, 2002; Mager et al.
2004; Wang 1986, 2007). Laboratory observations indicate that delta smelt are broadcast
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 28
spawners, discharging eggs and milt close to the bottom over substrates of sand and/or pebble in
current (DWR and Reclamation 1994; Brown and Kimmerer 2002; Lindberg et al. 2003; Wang
2007). Spawning over gravel or sand can also aid in the oxygenation of delta smelt eggs. Eggs
that may have been laid in silt or muddy substrates might get buried or smothered, preventing
their oxygenation from water flow (Lindberg pers. comm. 2011). The eggs of surf smelts and
other beach spawning smelts adhere to sand particles, which keeps them negatively buoyant but
not immobile, as the sand may move ("tumble'') with water currents and turbulence (Hay 2007).
It is not known whether delta smelt eggs "tumble incubate" in the wild, but tumbling of eggs may
moderately disperse them, which might reduce predation risk within a localized area.
The locations in the Delta where newly hatched larvae are present, most likely indicates
spawning occurrence. The 20-mm trawl has captured small (~5 mm sdl) larvae in Cache Slough,
the lower Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, and at the confluence of these two rivers (e.g.,
20-mm trawl survey 1 in 2005). Larger larvae and juveniles (size> 23 mm sdl), which are more
efficiently sampled by the 20-mm trawl gear, have been captured in Cache Slough (Sacramento
River) and the Sacramento Deep Water Channel in July (e.g. 20-mm trawl survey 9 in 2008).
Because they are small fish inhabiting pelagic habitats with strong tidal and river currents, delta
smelt larval distribution depends on both the spawning area from which they originate and the
effect of transport processes caused by flows. Larval distribution is further affected by water
salinity and temperature. Hydrodynamic simulations reveal that tidal action and other factors may
cause substantial mixing of water with variable salinity and temperature among regions of the
Delta (Monson et al 2007). This could result in rapid dispersion of larvae away from spawning
sites.
The timing of spawning may affect delta smelt population dynamics. Lindberg (2011) has
suggested that smelt larvae that hatch early, around late February, have an advantage over larvae
hatched during late spawning in May. Early season larvae have a longer growing season and may
be able to grow larger faster during more favorable habitat conditions in the late winter and early
spring. An early growing season may result in higher survivorship and a stronger spawning
capability for that generation. Larvae hatched later in the season have a shorter growing season
which effectively reduces survivorship and spawning success for the following spawning season.
Sampling oflarval delta smelt in the Bay-Delta in 1989 and 1990 suggested that spawning
occurred in the Sacramento River; in Georgiana, Prospect, Beaver, Hog, and Sycamore sloughs;
in the San Joaquin River adjacent to Bradford Island and Fisherman's Cut; and possibly other
areas (Wang 1991). However, in recent years, the densest concentrations of both spawners and
larvae have been recorded in the Cache Slough/Sacramento Deepwater Ship Channel complex in
the North Delta. Some delta smelt spawning occurs in Napa River, Suisun Bay and Suisun Marsh
during wetter years (Sweetnam 1999; Wang 1991; Hobbs et al. 2007). Early stage larval delta
smelt have also been recorded in Montezuma Slough near Suisun Bay (Wang 1986).
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Larval Development
29
Mager et al. (2004) reported that embryonic development to hatching takes 11-13 days at 14-16°
C for delta smelt, and Baskerville-Bridges et al. (2000) reported hatching of delta smelt eggs
after 8-10 days at temperatures between 15-17° C. Lindberg et al. (2003) reported high hatching
rates of delta smelt eggs in the laboratory at 15 ° C, and Wang (2007) reported high hatching rates
at temperatures between 14-17° C. Hatching success peaks near 15° C (Bennett 2005) and swim
bladder inflation occurring at 60-70 days post-hatch at 16-17° C (Mager et al. 2004). At hatching
and during the succeeding three days, larvae are buoyant, swim actively near the water surface,
and do not react to bright direct light (Mager et al. 2004). As development continues, newly
hatched delta smelt become semi-bu oyant and sink in stagnant water. However, larvae are
unlikely to encounter stagnant water in the wild.
Growth rates of wild-caught delta smelt larvae are faster than laboratory-cultured individuals.
Mager et al. (2004) reported growth rates of captive-raised delta smelt reared at near-optimum
temperatures (16°C-l 7°C). Their fish were about 12 mm long after 40 days and about 20 mm
long after 70 days. In contrast, analyses of otoliths indicated that wild delta smelt larvae were
15-25 mm, or nearly twice as long at 40 days of age (Bennett 2005). By 70 days, most wild fish
were 30-40 mm long and beyond the larval stage. This suggests there is strong selective pressure
for rapid larval growth in nature, a situation that is typical for fish in general (Houde 1987). The
food available to larval fishes is constrained by mouth gape and status of fin development. Larval
delta smelt cannot capture as many kinds of prey as larger individuals, but all life stages have
small gapes that limit their range of potential prey. Prey availability is also constrained by habitat
use, which affects what types of prey are encountered. Larval delta smelt are visual feeders. They
find and select individual prey organisms and their ability to see prey in the water is enhanced by
turbidity (Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2004). Thus, delta smelt diets are largely comprised of small
crustacea that inhabit the estuary's turbid, low-salinity, open-water habitats (i.e., zooplankton).
Larval delta smelt have particularly restricted diets (Nobriga 2002). They do not feed on the full
array of zooplankton with which they co-occur; they mainly consume three copepods,
Eurytemora afjinis, Pseudodiaptomus forbesi, and freshwater species of the family Cyclopidae.
Further, the diets of first�feeding delta smelt larvae are largely restricted to the larval stages of
these copepods; older, larger life stages of the copepods are increasingly targeted as the delta
smelt larvae grow, their gape inc reases, and they become stronger swimmers.
In the laboratory, a turbid environment (>25 Nephelometric Turbidity Units [NTU]) was
necessary to elicit a first feeding response (Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2000; Baskerville-Bridges
2004). Successful feeding seems to depend on a high density of food organisms and turbidity,
and increases with stronger light conditions (Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2000; Mager et al. 2004;
Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2004). Laboratory-cultured delta smelt larvae have generally been fed
rotifers at first-feeding (Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2004; Mager et al. 2004). However, rotifers
rarely occur in the guts of wild delta smelt larvae (Nobriga 2002). The most common first prey of
wild delta smelt larvae is the larval stages of several copepod species. These copepod 'nauplii'
are larger and have more calories than rotifers. This difference in diet may enable the faster
growth rates observed in wild-caught larvae.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
partly influenced by concurrent environmental conditions (Feyrer and others 2007; 2011). This
may be a partial explanation for why few analyses could consistently link springtime
environmental conditions to delta smelt's fall index.
32
It is now recognized that delta smelt abundance plays an important role in subsequent abundance
(Bennett 2005; Maunder and Deriso 2011). Bennett (2005) assessed (1) the influence of adult
stock as indexed by the FMWT versus the next generation of juveniles indexed by the following
calendar year's TNS; (2) the influence of the juvenile stock indexed by the TNS versus the
subsequent adult stock indexed a few months later in the FMWT; (3) the influence of the FMWT
on the following year's FMWT and on the FMWT two years later, and ( 4) he did the same for the
TNS data. He concluded that (1) two-year-old delta smelt might play an important role in delta
smelt population dynamics, (2) it was not clear whether juvenile production was a density
independent or density-dependent function of adult abundance, and (3) adult production was a
density-dependent function of juvenile abundance and the carrying capacity of the estuary to
support this life-stage transition had declined over time. These conclusions are also supported by
Maunder and Derise (2011).
The concept of density-d ependence 1 and how it has affected the delta smelt is important because
it may be used as a reason not to protect particular life stages from sources of mortality. Bennett
(2005) concluded it was (statistically) unclear whether density-dependence occurs between
generations. He also noted that the delta smelt indices strongly suggest that density-dependence
has occurred, at least over the long-term, during the juvenile stage. The uncertainty about
density-dependence between generations results because statistical assessments of the
relationship between the adult stock and the next generation ofrecruits Guveniles) result in
similar fits for linear (density-independent) and nonlinear (density-dependent) relationships
(Bennett 2005; Maunder and Deriso 201 1).
One reason for this is that delta smelt population dynamics may have changed over time.
Previous papers have reported a delta smelt step-decline during 1981-1982 (Kimmerer 2002b;
Thomson et al. 2010). Prior to this decline, the stock-recruit data are consistent with "Ricker"
type density-dependence where increasing adult abundance resulted in decreased juvenile
abundance. Since the decline, recruitment has been positively and essentially linearly related to
prior adult abundance, suggesting that reproduction has been basically density-independent for
about the past 30 years. This means that since the early 1980s, more adults translates into more
juveniles and fewer adults translates into fewer juveniles without being 'compensated for' by
density-dependence. In contrast to the transition among generations, the weight of scientific
evidence strongly supports the hypothesis that, at least over the history of Interagency Ecological
Program fish monitoring, delta smelt has experienced density-dependence during the juvenile
stage of its life cycle, i.e., between the summer and fall (Bennett 2005; Maunder and Deriso
201 1 ). This has been inferred because, statistically, the FMWT index does not increase linearly
I Density-dependence refers to situations where vital rates like growth or survival change as a population's density
changes (Rose et al. 200 I). When vital rates do not vary with population density, they are considered to be density
independent. Density-dependence occurs in populations when one or more factors is in limited supply or when
crowding results in pr edator aggregation or faster disease transmission.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Changes to the LSZ
34
There have been documented changes to the delta smelt's low-salinity zone habitat that have led
to present-day, baseline habitat conditions. The close association of delta smelt with the San
Francisco estuary LSZ has been known for many years (Stevens and Miller 1983; Moyle et al.
1992). Peterson (2003) developed a conceptual model that hypothesized how, "stationary and
dynamic components of estuarine habitats" interacted to influence fisheries production in tidal
river estuaries. Peterson 's model suggests that when the dynamic and static aspects of estuarine
habitat sufficiently overlap, foraging, growth, density, and survival are all high, and that enables
fish production to outpace losses to predators. The result is high levels of successful recruitment
of new individuals. The model also hypothesizes that when the dynamic and static aspects of an
estuarine habitat do not sufficiently overlap, foraging, growth, density, and survival are impaired
such that losses to predators increase and recruitment of new individuals decreases. This model
was developed specifically for species spawned in marine environments that were subsequently
transported into estuaries. However, the concept of X2, which was developed in the San
Francisco estuary to describe how freshwater flow affected estuarine habitat (Jassby et al. 1995),
played a role in the intellectual development of Peterson's model. The Peterson model also
provides a useful framework to conceptualize delta smelt's LSZ habitat.
Currently available information indicates that delta smelt habitat is most suitable for the fish
when low-salinity water is near 20 °C, highly turbid, oxygen saturated, low in contaminants,
supports high densities of calanoid copepods and mysid shrimp (Moyle et al. 1992; Lott 1998;
Nobriga 2002), and occurs over comparatively static 'landscapes' that support sandy beaches and
bathymetric variation that enables the fish and their prey to aggregate (Kimmerer et al. 2002;
Bennett et al. 2002; Hobbs et al. 2006). Almost every component listed above has been degraded
over time (see below). The Service has determined that this accumulation of habitat change is the
fundamental reason or mechanism that has caused delta smelt to decline.
Alterations to estuarine bathymetry and salinity distribution (~ 1850-present)
The position of the LSZ, where delta smelt rear, has changed over the years. The first major
change in the LSZ was the conversion of the landscape over which tides oscillate and river flows
vary (Moyle et al. 2010). The ancestral Delta was a large tidal marsh-floodplain habitat totally
approximately 700,000 acres. Most of the historic wetlands were diked and reclaimed for
agriculture or other human uses by 1920 (Atwater et al. 1979). Channels were dredged deep (~12
m)to accommodate shipping traffic from the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay to ports in
Sacramento and Stockton. These changes left Suisun Bay and the confluence of the Sacramento
San Joaquin Rivers as the largest and most bathymetrically variable places in the LSZ. This
region remained a highly productive nursery for many decades (Stevens and Miller 1983; Moyle
et al. 1992; Jassby et al. 1995). However, the deepened channels created to support shipping and
flood control, requires more freshwater outflow to maintain the LSZ in the large Suisun Bay and
River confluence than was once required (Gartrell 2010). The construction of the CVP and SWP
not only provided water supply for urban, agricultural and industrial users, but also provided
water needed to combat salinity intrusion into the Delta, which was observed by the early 20th
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 35
century. California's demand for freshwater (keeps) continues to increase, thus seasonal salinity
intrusion perpetually reduces the temporal overlap of the LSZ (indexed by X2) within the Suisun
Bay (region), especially in the fall (Feyrer et al. 2007; 2011). Consequently, the second major
habitat change in the Delta has been in the frequency with which the LSZ is maintained in Suisun
Bay for any given amount of precipitation. There was a step-decline in the LSZ in 1977 from
which it has never recovered for more than a few years at a time. Based on model forecasts of
climate change and water demand, this trend is expected to continue (Feyrer et al. 2011).
Summer and fall environmental quality has decreased overall in the Delta because outflows are
lower and water transparency is higher. These changes may be due to increased upstream water
diversions for flooding rice fields (Kawakami et. al. 2008). The confluence of the Sacramento
and San Joaquin Rivers has, as a result, become increasingly important as a rearing location for
delta smelt, with physical environmental conditions constricting the species range to a relatively
narrow area (Feyrer et al. 2007; Nobriga et al. 2008). This has increased the likelihood that most
of the juvenile population is exposed to chronic and cyclic environmental stressors, or
catastrophic events. For instance, all seven delta smelt collected during the September 2007
FMWT survey were captured at statistically significantly higher salinities than what would be
expected based upon historical distribution data generated by Feyrer et al. (2007). During the
same year, the annual bloom of toxic cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) spread far
downstream to the west Delta and beyond durin g the summer (Peggy Lehman, pers comm). This
has been suggested as an explanation for the anomaly in the distribution of delta smelt relative to
water salinity levels (Reclamation 2008).
Turbidity
From 1999 to present, the Delta experienced a change in estuarine turbidity that culminated in an
estuary-wide step-decline in 1999 (Schoellhamer 2011). For decades, the turbidity of the
modified estuary had been sustained by very large sediment deposits resulting mainly from gold
mining in the latter 19 th century. Sediments continued to accumulate into the mid-20th century,
keeping the water relatively turbid even as sediment loads from the Sacramento River basin
declined due to dam and levee construction (Wright and Schoellhamer 2004). The flushing of the
sediment deposits may also have made the estuary deeper overall and thus a less suitable nursery
from the 'static' bathymetric perspective (Schroeter 2008).
Delta smelt associate with highly turbid waters; there is a negative correlation between the
frequency of delta smelt occurrence in survey trawls during summer, fall and early winter and
water clarity. For example, the likelihood of delta smelt occurrence in trawls at a given sampling
station decreases with increasing Secchi depth at the stations (Feyrer et al. 2007, Nobriga et al.
2008). This is very consistent with behavioral observations of captive delta smelt (Nobriga and
Herbold 2008). Few daylight trawls catch delta smelt at Secchi depths over one half meter and
capture probabilities for delta smelt are highest at 0.40 m depth or less. Turbid waters are
thought to increase foraging efficiency (Baskerville-Bridges et al. 2004) and reduce the risk of
predation for delta smelt.
th th
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 47
tide has the largest influence on flow velocities and directions in delta smelt's critical habitat at
very short timescales (minutes to days), whereas interannual variation in precipitation and runoff
has the largest influence on flows into and through the Delta at very long timescales (years to
decades), and sometimes at shorter time scales (days to weeks) during major storm events.
Changes to flow regimes can have the largest influence on PCE #3 at timescales of weeks to
seasons. This is particularly true during periods oflow natural inflow, for instance during the fall
and during droughts, and in the south Delta where Old and Middle River flows are often
managed using changes in export flow rates.
Salinity PCE # 4
The core delta smelt habitat, is the LSZ (Moyle et al. 1992; Bennett 2005). The LSZ is where
freshwater transitions into brackish water, and is defined as the area of the estuary where salinity
ranges from 0.5-6.0 psu (parts per thousand salinity; Kimmerer 2004). This area is always
moving due to tidal and river flow variation. Larval delta smelt tend to reside somewhat
landward (upstream) ofX2 (Dege and Brown 2004), but the center of juvenile distribution tends
to be very near X2 until the fish start making spawning migrations in the winter (Feyrer et al.
2011; Sommer et al. 2011 ). Because of this association between the distribution of salinity in the
estuary and the distribution of the delta smelt population, the tidal and river flows that comprise
PCE # 3 affect PCE # 4.
The expansion and contraction of the LSZ affects the areal extent of abiotic habitat for delta
smelt, both during spring (Kimmerer et al. 2009) and fall (Feyrer et al. 2007, 2011). In the spring,
most delta smelt are larvae or young juveniles and the LSZ is typically maintained over the
expansive Suisun Bay region. Thus, abiotic habitat "limitation" is unlikely and no consistent
·influence of spring X2 variation on later stage abundance estimates has been reported to date
(Jassby et al. 1995; Bennett 2005; Kimmerer et al. 2009). Historical maxima in juvenile
abundance according to CDFW's TNS occurred in low outflow years when abiotic habitat area
was comparatively low (Kimmerer 2002; Kimmerer et al. 2009).
In contrast, during fall delta smelt are late stage juveniles and for the past decade or more, the
LSZ has been persistently constricted by low Delta outflow. Fall habitat conditions affect delta
smelt distribution and the concurrent FMWT abundance index (Feyrer et al. 2007, 2011).
However, the quantitative life cycle models developed to date have not found evidence for a year
over year effect of fall LSZ location on delta smelt population dynamics (Mac Nally et al. 2010;
Thompson et al. 2010; Deriso 2011).
It is now recognized that some delta smelt occur year-around in the Cache Slough region
including the Sacramento River Deep Water Shipping Channel and Liberty Island (Kimmerer
2011; Miller 2011; Sommer et al. 201 1). The latter has been a consistently available habitat only
since 1997. This region is often lower in salinity than 0.6 psu -the lower formal limit of the
LSZ as defined by Kimmerer (2004 ). Delta smelt likely use it because it is one of the most turbid
habitats remaining in the Delta (Nobriga et al. 2005). A recent population genetic study found no
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 52
smelt larvae are semi-buoyant and subject to hydrology and could be directed by river flows into
areas of low DO which could cause direct mortality, hann and/or harassment to the larvae.
Penoxsulam and Imazamox
The newly proposed herbicides penoxsulam and imazamox included for the 2013-2017 WHCP
program have only recently been registered in California. Because the herbicides are newly
registered, little or no independent toxicity data is available other than that generally produced
during the registration process. Due to recent registration, very little additional toxicological data
is available. Longer aqueous half-lives and increased mobility for penoxsulam and imazamox as
compared to 2,4-D and glyphosate suggest the potential for increased aquatic environmental risk.
Immunofuction and endocrine effects from exposures are also unknown. Concerns about
potential risks may be addressed by bioassays on delta smelt. Proposed future toxicity tests will
clarify the risk of penoxsulam and imazamox on larval and adult delta smelt from their use. Prior
to the proposed future toxicity tests being conducted on delta smelt, the WHCP is proposing to
only utilize penoxsulam and irnazamox in Areas 3 and 4 from March 1 to November 30 when
delta smelt are unlikely to be present in the area to further reduce any possible risks to delta
smelt.
Acute toxicology data for the newly registered penoxsulam and imazamox are available only
from the EPA pesticide registration process and thus very few peer reviewed studies are
available. Toxicity tests on other fishes showed penoxsulam and imazamox to be practically
nontoxic with LC50's above 100 mg/L. Penoxsulam and imazamox have bluegill EC50's of
>103 and >120 mg/L which are lower in comparison to 2,4-D and Glyp hosate, 2600 and >1000
mg/L respectively, indicative of higher toxicity {Fairchild 2011 ). Despite higher toxicities, the
reduced environmental risk of penoxsulam and imazamox comes from the reduced application
volume required during treatment. The EPA's Ecological Risk Assessment for penoxsulam found
that for two fish species, risk did not exceed concern levels for aquatic organisms or endangered
species (USEPA 2007). No EPA Ecological Risk Assessment has been conducted for imazamox.
Acute or chronic data on the effects of exposures of penoxsulam or imazamox on delta smelt are
not yet available.
The registration toxicity data for standard toxicity when testing fish species suggests that
environmental concentrations from the WHCP activities with the proposed chemicals would be
less than the toxicity thresholds. Although toxicity thresholds for these two herbicides are lower
than for 2,4-D or glyphosate (implying they are more toxic), risk from their use is reduced
because the WHCP proposes to apply them at lower concentrations than the existing program
herbicides. This available data suggest that there would be no effect on delta smelt from their
use.
Adjuvants: Agri-Dex and Competitor
Acute toxicity studies by the Washington State University have indicated that Agri-Dex® (the
active ingredients are Paraffin Base Petroleum Oil/Polyoxyethylate Polyol Fatty Acid Esters)
Conclusion
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 55
Upon implementation of the following reasonable and prudent measures, incidental take
associated with WHCP operations in the form of harm, harassment, the USDA-ARS and CDBW
will become exempt from the prohibitions described under section 9 of the Act.
Effect of the Take
The Service has determined that this level of anticipated take is not likely to result in jeopardy to
the delta smelt. We base this determination on the temporary nature of the effects, proposed
WHCP treatment restrictions, and the non-toxicity of 2,4-D, Glyphosate, and Agri-
dex® at the levels used in habitat containing PCE's of delta smelt (within Areas 1 and 2) of the
WHCP. Areas 3 and 4 are considered to be located outside of delta smelt range and the habitat
does not contain PCE's for delta smelt. Therefore the WHCP treatment in areas 3 and 4 is not
expected to have effect on delta smelt. Delta smelt critical habitat will not be adversely modified
or destroyed by the proposed action.
Reasonable and Prudent Measures
The following reasonable and prudent measures are necessary and appropriate to minimize the
effects of the WHCP project to the delta smelt:
1.The USDA-ARS shall ensure CDBW complies with this biological opinion.
2.The USDA-ARS shall ensure CDBW minimizes effects to delta smelt and its critical
habitat.
Terms and Conditions
In order to be exempt from the prohibitions of section 9 of the Act, the USDA-ARS shall ensure
CDBW complies with the following terms and conditions, which implement the reasonable and
prudent measures described above. These terms and conditions are non-discretionary.
1)The following terms and conditions implement Reasonable and Prudent Measure
Number One (1) and Two (2):
a.The USDA-ARS shall ensure CDBW implements the Conservation
Measures proposed by CDBW and as described in the Project
Description (page 21) of this biological opinion.
Reporting Requirements
The Service is to be notified immediately of the finding of any listed species or any unanticipated
take or suspected take of species addressed in this opinion. Injured delta smelt must be cared for
by a qualified person such as the Service-approved biologist. Dead individuals of this species
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 56
shall be placed in a zip-lock® plastic bag or jar with appropriate preservative solution containing
a piece of paper with the date, time, location where the animal was found, and who found it
written in permanent ink. The plastic bag should be placed in a freezer in a secure location. The
Service and CDFW must be notified within twenty-four (24) hours of discovery of death or
injury to delta smelt or GGS that occurs due to project related activities or is observed at the
project site. The notification must include the date, time, and location of the incident or of the
finding of a dead or injured animal and be clearly indicated on a USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle
and other maps at a finer scale. The Service contacts are Kim S. Turner, Assistant Field
Supervisor, at telephone (916) 930-5604 and Dan Crum, Resident Agent-in-Charge of the
Service's Law Enforcement Division, at telephone (916) 414-6660. The CDFW contact person is
Andrea Boertien, Environmental Scientist, at tel ephone (209) 942-6070.
The USDA-ARS and the CDBW will submit to the Service an annual project review and
monitoring report by January 31 st annually. The annual report will detail the following:
a.The date, time and number of times an individual site was treated;
b.Amount and type of chemical used at each site;
c.Treatment methods utilized throughout the year;
d.Whether listed species or its habitat were present;
e.All environmental scientist and treatment crew monitoring results; and
f.Results of the 2013 DO Monitoring Study.
The USDA-ARS and the CDBW will submit to the Service weekly field surveys beginning in
late Feb ruary to identify re-growing water hyacinth compared with the location of the most recent
state and Federal fish monitoring data.
In addition, upon completion of toxicological testing of the herbicides imazamox and
penoxsulam on delta smelt, all reporting, methodologies, and results will be provided to the
Service.
Unless new information reveals effects of the proposed action may affect listed species to an
extent not considered in this document or a new species or critical habitat is designated that may
be affected by the proposed action, no further action pursuant to the Act is necessary. Any actions
or proposed actions that are modified in a manner that causes an effect to listed species or critical
habitat that was not considered in this consultation will require re-initiation.
CONSERVATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Section 7(a)(l) of Act directs Federal agencies to utilize their authorities to further the purposes
of the Act by carrying out conservation programs for the benefit of endangered and threatened
species. Conservation recommendations are discretionary agency activities that can be
implemented to further the purposes of the Act, such as preservation of endangered species
habitat, implementation of recovery actions, or development of information and data bases.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 57
1.The Service recommends CDBW and USDA-ARS work to increase public awareness
of po tential threats to proper ecosystem function by exotic species introductions such
as water hyacinth and increase public awareness of the importance of native flora and
fauna of the Delta and its tributaries.
2.The Service recommends CDBW and USDA-ARS work to assist the Service in
implementing recovery actions identified in the recovery plans for the valley
elderberry longhorn beetle, GGS, and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta native fishes.
To be kept informed of actions minimizing or avoiding adverse effects or benefiting listed and
proposed species or their habitats, the Service requests notification of the implementation of any
conservation recommendations.
REINITIATION -CLOSING STATEMENT
This concludes formal consultation with USDA-ARS for the proposed 2013-2017WHCP. As
provided in 50 CFR 402.16, re-initiation of formal consultation is required where discretionary
Federal agency involvement or control over the action has been maintained (or is authorized by
law) and if: (1) the amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded; (2) new information reveals
effects of the proposed action may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner or to an
extent not considered in this opinion; (3) the agency action is subsequently modified in a manner
that causes an effect to listed species or critical habitat that was not considered in this opinion; or
( 4)a new species or critical habitat is designated that may be affected by the proposed action. In
instances where the amount or extent of incidental take is exceeded, any operations causing such
take must cease pending re-initiation.
Please address any questions or concerns regarding this response to Tiffany Heitz, Fish and
Wildlife Biologist, at Tiffany_Heitz@fws.gov or (916) 930-5627. Please refer to Service file
number 81410-2013-F-0005 in any future correspondence regarding this project.
cc: NMFS, Garwin Yip
DFW, Jim Starr
CDBW, Director
Sincerely,
Michael Chotkowski
Field Supervisor
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 58
Literature Cited
Adger, N., P. Aggarwal, S. Agrawala, J. Alcamo, A. Allali, 0. Anisimov, N. Arnell, M. Boko, 0.
Canziani, T. Carter, G. Casassa, U. Confalonieri, R. V. Cruz, E. de Alba Alcaraz, W.
Easterling, C. Field, A. Fischlin, B. B. Fitzharris, C. G. Carcia, C. Hanson, H. Harasawa,
K.Hennessy, S. Huq, R. Jones, L. K. Bogataj, D. Karoly, R. Klein, Z. Kundzewicz, M.
Lal, R. Lasco, G. Love, X. Lu, G. Magrin, L.J. Mata, R. McLean, B. Menne, G. Midgley,
M.Q. Mizra, J. Moreno, L. Mortsch, I. Niang-Diop, R. Nicholls, B. Novaky, L. Nurse, A.
Nyong, M. Oppneheimer, J. Palutikof, M. Parry, A. Patwardhan, P.R. Lankao, C.
Rosenzweig, S. Schneider, S. Semenov, J. Smith J. Stone, J. van Ypersele, D. Vaughan,
C.Vogel, T. Wilbanks, P.P. Wong, S. Wu, and G. Yohe. 2007. Working Group II
Contribution to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 4th Assessment Report.
Climate Change 2007: Climate change, impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Brussels,
Belgium.
Amweg, E.L., D.P. Weston, & N.M. Ureda. 2005. Use and toxicity of pyrethroid pesticides in the
Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 24: 966-972.
Arthur, J.F., M. D. Ball, and S.Y. Baughman. 1996. Summary of federal and State water project
impacts in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary, California. Pages 445-495 in J. T.
Hollibaugh ( editor) San Francisco Bay: the ecosystem. AAAS, San Francisco, CA.
Atwater B.F, S.G. Conard, J.N. Dowden, C.W. Hedel, R.L. MacDonald, and W. Savage. 1979.
History, landforms, and vegetation of the estuary's tidal marshes. Pages 347-386 in San
Francisco Bay: The Urbanized Estuary -Investigations into the Natural History of San
Francisco Bay and Delta With Reference to the Influence of Man. Pacific Division of the
American Association for the Advancement of Science. San Francisco, CA.
Bailey, H. C., C. Alexander, C. DiGiorgio, M. Miller, S. I. Doroshov, and D. E. Hinton. 1994.
The effect of agricultural discharge on striped bass (Morone saxatilis) in California's
Sacramento-San Joaquin drainage. Ecotoxicology 3: 123-142.
Baskerville-Bridges, B., J.C. Lindberg, J.V. Eenennaam and S. Doroshov. 2000. Contributed
Paper to the IEP: Progress and development of delta smelt culture: Year-end report 2000.
IEP Newsletter, Winter 2001, 14(1): 24-30. Available at<
http://www.water.ca.gov/iep/newsletters/2001/IEPNewsletterWinter200l.pdf#page=24>.
Baskerville-Bridges, B., J.C. Lindberg, and S.I. Doroshov. 2004. The effect of light intensity,
alga concentration, and prey density on the feeding behavior of delta smelt larvae. Pages
219-228 in F. Feyrer, L.R. Brown, R.L. Brown and J.J. Orsi, eds. Early fife history of
fishes in the San Francisco Estuary and watershed. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp. 39, Bethesda,
MD, USA.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Dege, M. and L.R. Brown. 2004. Effect of outflow on spring and summertime distribution and
abundance of larval and juvenile fishes in the upper San Francisco Estuary. Am. Fish.
Soc. Symposium 39: 49-65.
Dettinger, M.D. 2005'. From climate-change spaghetti to climate-change distributions for 21st
Century California. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 3:
http ://repositories. cdlib. org/jmie/sfews/vol3/iss 1 / art4.
61
Dugdale, R. C., F .P. Wilkerson, V .E. Hogue, and A. MarchL 2007. The role of ammonium and
nitrate in spring bloom development in San Francisco Bay. Estuarine, Coastal, and Shelf
Science 73:17-29.
Dow Chemical Company. 2008. Product safety assessment, penoxsulam. 233-00438-MM-0908.
DWR Delta Overview.
http://baydeltaoffice.water.ca.gov/sdbtbp/deltaoverview/delta _ overview.pdf
DWR and Reclamation (California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation). 1994. Biological Assessment -Effects of the Central Valley Project and
State Water Project on Delta Smelt and Sacramento Splittail. Prepared for U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Sacramento, CA. 230 pp.
DWR 2007. Morrow Island Distribution System fish entrainment study. Interim data summary
report, Division of Enviromnental Services, Sacramento, CA.
Edmunds, J.L., K.M. Kuivila, B.E. Cole, and J.E. Cloern. 1999. Do herbicides impair
phytoplankton primary production in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta? In: USGS
Toxic Substances Hydrology Program Technical Meeting Proceedings, Charleston, SC,
March 8-12, 1999.
Emerine, Sherrie E., R.J. Richardson, S.L. True, A.M. West, and R.L. Roten. 2010. Greenhouse
response of six aquatic invasive weeds to imazamox. J. Aquat. Plant. Management.
48.105-111.
Erkkila, L.F., J.P. Moffett, O.B. Cope, B.R. Smith, and R.S. Nelson. 1950. Sacramento-San
Joaquin Delta fishery resources: effects of Tracy pumping plant and delta cross channel.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Special Report. Fisheries 56. 109 pp.
ESNMadrone. 1984. Environmental data report, Water hyacinth control plan for the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Sacramento, California. Prepared for the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Feyrer, F, B. Herbold, S.A. Matern, and P.B. Moyle. 2003. Dietary shifts in a stressed fish
assemblage: consequences of a bivalve invasion in the San Francisco Estuary.
Environmental Biology of Fishes 67:277-288.
62
Feyrer, F., M.L. Nobriga, and T.R. Sommer. 2007. Multi-decadal trends for three declining fish
species: habitat patterns and mechanisms in the San Francisco Estuary, California, USA.
Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 64:723-734.
Feyrer, F., K. Newman, M.L. Nobriga and T.R. Sommer. 2011. Modeling the effects of future
outflow on the abiotic habitat of an imperiled estuarine fish. Estuaries and Coasts:
34(1 ): 120-128.
Fisch, K. M., J.M. Henderson, R.S. Burton and B. May. 2011. Population genetics and
conservation implications for the endangered delta smelt in the San Francisco Bay-Delta.
Conservation Genetics. Published online 1 July 2011.
Foott, J. S. and J. Bigelow. 2010. Pathogen survey, gill Na-K-ATPase activity, and leukocyte
profile of adult delta smelt. California Department of Fish and Game 96(4): 223-231.
Foott, J. S. and R. Stone. 2007. Histological Evaluation and Viral Survey of Juvenile Longfin
Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) and Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma petenense) collected
from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California
Nevada Fish Health Center FY 2007 Investigational Report. April-November 2007. 16
pp.
Ganssle, D. 1966. Fishes and decapods of San Pablo and Suisun bays. Pages 64-94 in D.W.
Kelley (editors) Ecological studies of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary, Part 1.
Gartrell, G. 2010. Delta Flow Criteria informational proceeding. State Water Resources Control
Board, Contra Costa Water District. 14 pp.
Giddings, J.M., L.W. Hall, Jr, and K.R. Solomon. 2000. Ecological risks of diazinon from
agricultural use in the Sacramento -San Joaquin River Basins, California. Risk Analysis
20:545-572.
Grimaldo, L.F., A. R. Stewart, and W. Kimmerer. 2009. Dietary segregation of pelagic and
littoral fish assemblages in a highly modified tidal freshwater estuary. In review Marine
and Coastal Fisheries.
Hallock, R.J. and W. Van Woert. 1959. A survey of anadromous fish losses in irrigation
diversions from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. California Fish and Game 45:
227-521.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 66
Lindberg, J.C., B. Baskerville-Bridges, and S.I. Doroshov. 2003. "Two Reproductive Concerns
Tested in Captive Delta Smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus, 2002: I. Effect of substrate and
water velocity on spawning behavior.
Linville, R.G., S.N. Luoma, L. Cutter, and G.A. Cutter. 2002. Increased selenium threat as a
result of invasion of the exotic bivalve Potamocorbula amurensis into the San Francisco
Bay-Delta. Aquatic Toxicology 57: 51-64.
Lott, J. 1998. Feeding habits of juvenile and adult delta smelt from the Sacramento-San Joaquin
River Estuary. Interagency Ecological Program Newsletter 11(1):14-19. Available at
<http:/ /iep. water. ca.gov /report/newsletter/>.
Mac Nally, R., Thomson, J.R., Kimmerer, W. J., Feyrer, F., Newman, K.B., Sih, A., Bennett,
W.A., Brown, L., Fleishman, E., Culberson, S.D., and G. Castillo. 2010. Analysis of
pelagic species decline in the upper San Francisco Estuary using multivariate
autoregressive modeling (MAR). Ecological Applications 20(5): 1417-1430.
Madsen. J.D., and R.M. Wersal. 2008. Herbicide formulations for managing free-floating aquatic
plants. 2008 Proceedings, Southern Weed Science Society. 61:210.
Mager, R.C., SJ. Doroshov, J.P. Van Eenennaam, and R.L. Brown. 2004. Early life stages of
delta smelt. Pages 169-180 in F. Feyrer, L.R. Brown, R.L. Brown and J.J. Orsi, eds. Early
fife history of fishes in the San Francisco Estuary and watershed. Am. Fish. Soc. Symp.
39, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Malik, J., Barry, G. and Kishore, G. Minireview. 1989. The herbicide glyphosate. BioFactors.
2(1 ): 17 25, 10-100.
Marine, K.R. and J.J. Cech Jr. 2004. Effects of high water temperature on growth, smoltification,
and predator avoidance in juvenile Sacramento River Chinook salmon. North American
Journal of Fisheries Management: 24(1):198-210.
Maunder, M.N and R. B. Deriso. 2011. A state-space multistage life cycle model to evaluate
population impacts in the presence of density dependence: illustrated with application to
delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 68: 1285-1306.
Miller, W. J. 2011. Revisiting assumptions that underlie estimates of proportional entrainment
of delta smelt by state and federal water diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science, 9(1). Available at
<http://escholarship.org/uc/item/5941 x lh8>.
Monson, N.E., J.E. Cloem, and J.R. Burau. 2007. Effects of flow diversion on water and habitat
quality: examples from California's highly manipulated Sacramento-San Joaquin.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Rose, K.A., J.H. Cowan, K.O. Winemiller, R.A. Myers, and R. Hilborn. 2001. Compensatory
density-dependence in fish populations: importance, controversy, understanding, and
prognosis. Fish and Fisheries 2: 293-327.
69
Ruhl, C.A., P.E. Smith, J.J. Simi, and J.R. Burau. 2006. The pelagic organism decline and long
term trends in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta hydrodynamics. Presentation at the 4th
Biennial 2006 CALFED Science Conference, October 23-25, 2006, Sacramento,
California.
Saiki, M.K., M.R. Jennings, and R.H. Wiedmeyer. 1992. Toxicity of agricultural subsurface
drainwater from the San Joaquin River, California, to juvenile Chinook salmon and
striped bass. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 121 :78-93.
Saiki, M.K. 1998. An ecological assessment of the Grassland Bypass Project on fishes inhabiting
the Grassland Water District, California. Final report submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Sacramento, CA. 72 pp.
San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI). 2004. Syntheses of Scientific Knowledge for Maintaining
and Improving Functioning of the South Bay Ecosystem and Restoring Tidal Salt Marsh
and Associated Habitats over the Next 50 Years at Pond and Pond-Complex Scales. Draft
Final Report. Oakland, CA.
Schoellhamer, D. H. 2011. Sudden clearing of estuarine waters upon crossing the threshold from
transport as an erodible sediment pool is depleted: San Francisco Bay, 1999. Estuaries
and Coasts 34: 885-899.
Schroeter, RE. 2008. Biology and long-term trends of alien hydromedusae and striped bass in a
brackish tidal marsh in the San Francisco Estuary. PhD dissertation, UC Davis.
Schuette, Jeff. 1998. Environmental fate of glyphosate. California Department of Pesticide
Regulation. 13 pp.
SePRO 2010. Clearcast aquatic herbide label. SePRO Corporation. Indiana.
Slater, Steven. unpublished data California Department offish and Game.
Sogard, S. M. 1997. Size-selective mortality in the juvenile stage of teleost fishes: a review.
Bulletin of Marine Science 60: 1129-1157.
Sobczak, W. V., J.E. Cloern, A. D. Jassby, and A. B. Muller-Solger. 2002. Bioavailability of
organic matter in a highly disturbed estuary: The role of detrital and algal resources.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 99, no. 12: 8101-8105.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers
Syracuse Environmental Research Associates, Inc. (SERA). 2010. Imazamox -Human Health
and Ecological Risk Assessment Final Report. For USDA, Forest Service. New
York. l 58pp.
Taniguchi, Y., F.J. Rahel, D.C. Novinger, and K.G. Gerow.1998. Temperature mediation of
competitive interactions among three fish species that replace each other along
longitudinal stream gradients. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
55:1894-1901.
71
Teh, S. J. 2007. Final report ofhistopathological evaluation of starvation and/or toxic effects on
pelagic fishes. UC Davis. 28 pages.
Thetmeyer. H. and U. Kils. 1995. To see and not be seen: the visibility of predator and prey with
respect to feeding behaviour. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 126: 1-8.
Thomson, J.R., W.J. Kimmerer, L.R. Brown, K.M. Newman, Mac Nally, R., Bennett, W.A.,
Feyrer, F. and E. Fleishman. 2010. Bayesian change point analysis of abundance trends
for pelagic fishes in the upper San Francisco Estuary. Ecological Applications 20(5):
1431-1448.
Trenham, P.C., H.B. Shaffer, and P.B. Moyle. 1998. Biochemical identification and assessment
of population subdivision in morphometrically similar native and invading smelt species
(Hypomesus) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Estuary, California. T. Am. Fish. Soc. 127:
417-424.
Turner, J. L. and H.K. Chadwick 1972. Distribution and abundance of young-of-the-year striped
bass, Morone saxatilis, in relation to river flow in the Sacramento-San Joaquin estuary.
Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 101: 442-452.
Turner, J.L., Kelley, DW (editors). 1966. Ecological studies of the Sacramento-San Joaquin
Delta, part II, fishes of the Delta. California Department of Fish and Game Fish Bulletin
136.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEP A). May 1997. Pesticide fact sheet,
imazamox (Raptor herbicide). Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances.
Washington D. C ..
2004. Ecological Risk Assessment for the Section 3 Registration of the New Chemical ---Penoxsulam for Uses on Rice. Environmental Fate and Effects Division (EFED).
Washington DC. 55pp.
___ 2005. Reregistration eligibility decision for 2,4-D. EPA 738-R-05-002. Prevention,
Pesticides and Toxic Substance (7508C). 320 pp.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 75
Appendix 1
Calculated* Maximum Concentrations of 2,4-D, Immediately Following WHCP Treatment
Concentration of: 2,4-D (Active Ingredient)
J .Chemical directly out of spray nozzle 2,300 ppm
2.Chemical in I meter deep water, @ I 00% water contact 0.43 ppm
3 .Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @ I 00% water contact 0.21 ppm
4.Chemical in l meter deep water,@ 20% water contact 85 ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep watei:,@20% water contact 43 ppb
*The concentrations above are based on the pounds of active ingredient in maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
C 1 1 d"' M a cu ate ax1mum C oncentrahons o fGI h lYP osate mme iately 0 I d' 1 F 11 owmg WHCPT reatment
Concentration of: Glyphosate(Active Ingredient)
I .Chemical directly out of spray nozzle 3,600 ppm
2.Chemical in I meter deep water, @ l 00% wate r contact 0.34 ppm
3.Chemical in 2 meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 0.17 ppm
4.Chemical in I meter deep water,@ 20% water contact 67ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @ 20% water contact 34 ppb
*The concentrat10ns above are based on the pounds of active mgred1ent m maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
Calculated* Maximum Concentrations of Penoxsulam Immediately Following WHCP Treatment
Concentration of: Penoxsulam(Active Ingredient)
I.Chemical directly out of spray nozzle 105 ppm
2.Chemical in J meter deep water, @ 100% water contact 9.8 ppb
3.Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @ l 00% water contact 4.9 ppb
4.Chemical in I meterdeepwater,@20%warercontact 2ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @20% water contact l ppb
*The concentrations above are based on the pounds of active ingredient in maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
Dr. Raymond I. Carruthers 76
Calculated* Maximum Concentrations ofimazamox Immediately Following WHCP Treatment
Concentration of: lmazamox(Active Ingredient)
l . Chemical directly out of spr-dy nozzle 600ppm
2.Chemical in I meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 56 ppb
3 .Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @ I 00% water contact 28 ppb
4.Chemical in I meter deep water, @ 20% water contact 11.2 ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep water, @20% water contact 5.6 ppb
*The concentrations above are based on the pounds of active ingredient in maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
Calculated* Maximum Concentrations of Agridex Immediately Following WHCP Treatment
Concentration of: Agridex (Active Ingredient)
I .Chemical rurectly out of spray nozzle 5,000 ppm·
2.Chemical in I meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 1.24 ppb
3.Chemical in 2 meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 0.62 ppb
4.Chemical in I meter deep water, @ 20% water contact 0.25 ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep water,@ 20% water contact 0.12 ppb
*The concentrations above are based on the pounds of active ingredient in maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
Calculated* Maximum Concentrations of Competitor Immediately Following WHCP Treatment
Concentration of: Competitor (Active Ingredient)
I .Chemical directly out of spray nozzle 5,000 ppm
2.Chemical in I meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 1.24 ppb
3.Chemical in 2 meter deep water,@ 100% water contact 0.62 ppb
4.Chemical in I meter deep water,@ 20% water contact 0.25 ppb
5.Chemical in 2 meter deep water,@ 20% water contact 0.12 ppb
*The concentrations above are based on the pounds of active ingredient in maximum specified application rate per acre, and an
appropriate dilution factor based on the volume of water in the tank mix, or within one or two meter-acres.
STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/npdes/aquatic.shtml
The following Dischargers may apply for coverage under this General Permit in compliance
with the waste discharge requirements as set forth in this General Permit:
Table 1. Discharger Information
Dischargers
Any entity that discharges residual algaecides and aquatic herbicide and their
degradation byproducts to waters of the United States* from algae and aquatic weed
control applications.
Table 2. Administrative Information
This General Permit was adopted by the State Water Resources
Control Board (hereinafter State Water Board) on: March 5, 2013
This General Permit shall become effective on: December 1, 2013
This General Permit shall expire on: November 30, 2018
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) and the State Water Board have classified this
discharge as a minor discharge.
I, Jeanine Townsend, Clerk to the Board, do hereby certify that this General Permit with all
attachments is a full, true, and correct copy of the General Permit adopted by the State
Water Board on March 5, 2013.
AYE: Vice Chair Frances Spivy-Weber
Board Member Tam M. Doduc
Board Member Steven Moore
Board Member Felicia Marcus
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Chairman Charles R. Hoppin
Jeanine Townsend
Clerk to the Board
Exhibit D Attachment B
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
PAGE 2
I. Discharge Information ....................................................................................................... 3
II. Permit Coverage and Application Requirements ............................................................... 3
A. General Permit Coverage ........................................................................................... 3
B. Discharger .................................................................................................................. 4
C. General Permit Application ......................................................................................... 4
D. Fees ............................................................................................................................ 5
E. Terminating Coverage ................................................................................................ 5
III. Findings ............................................................................................................................. 5
IV. Discharge Prohibitions ....................................................................................................... 6
V. Effluent Limitations ............................................................................................................ 6
VI. Receiving Water Limitations .............................................................................................. 6
VII. Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers ................................................................................ 8
VIII. Aquatic Pesticide Use Requirements ................................................................................ 8
A. Application Schedule .................................................................................................. 8
B. Public Notice Requirements ........................................................................................ 9
C. Aquatic Pesticides Application Plan (APAP) ............................................................... 9
D. APAP Processing, Approval, and Modifications ........................................................ 11
E. Algaecide and Aquatic Herbicide Application Log ..................................................... 11
IX. Provisions ........................................................................................................................ 12
A. Standard Provisions .................................................................................................. 12
B. Monitoring and Reporting Program Requirements .................................................... 13
C. Special Provisions .................................................................................................... 13
X. Compliance Determination .............................................................................................. 17
Table 1. Discharger Information ................................................................................................ 1
Table 2. Administrative Information ........................................................................................... 1
Table 3. Receiving Water Limitations ........................................................................................ 7
Table 4. Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers ........................................................................... 8
Attachment A Definitions ..................................................................................................... A-1
Attachment B Standard Provisions ...................................................................................... B-1
Attachment C Monitoring and Reporting Program ............................................................... C-1
Attachment D Fact Sheet ..................................................................................................... D-1
Attachment E Notice of Intent .............................................................................................. E-1
Attachment F Notice of Termination .................................................................................... F-1
Attachment G Exception List .............................................................................................. G-1
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 3
I. DISCHARGE INFORMATION
.*
Adjuvants* or surfactants may be added to the ingredients in the application equipment
used in delivery of the pesticide. As part of the registration process of pesticides for use in
California, U.S. EPA and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
evaluate data submitted by registrants to ensure that a product used according to label
instructions will cause no harm or adverse impact on non-target organisms that cannot be
reduced or mitigated with protective measures or use restrictions. The Clean Water Act
(CWA) section 301(a) broadly prohibits the discharge of any pollutant to waters of the
United States, except in compliance with an NPDES permit. Residual pesticides*
discharged into surface waters constitute pollutants within the meaning of the CWA even if
the discharge is in compliance with the registration requirements of the Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Therefore, coverage under an
NPDES permit is required.
The discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides and their residues to surface waters
for algae and aquatic weed control throughout the State of California may pose a threat to
existing and potential beneficial uses of waters of the United States if not properly
controlled and regulated.
This General Permit regulates the discharge of aquatic pesticides* (algaecides and
aquatic herbicides) used for algae and aquatic weed control to waters of the United
States. These are algaecides and aquatic herbicides with registration labels that explicitly
allow direct application to water bodies.
II. PERMIT COVERAGE AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
A. General Permit Coverage
Except for discharges on tribal lands that are regulated by a federal permit, this
General Permit covers the point source* discharge to waters of the United States of
residues resulting from pesticide applications using products containing 2,4-D,
acrolein, copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr,
penoxsulam, sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, and triclopyr-based algaecides and
aquatic herbicides, and adjuvants containing ingredients represented by the surrogate
nonylphenol. This General Permit covers only discharges of algaecides, and aquatic
herbicides that are currently registered for use in California, or that become registered
for use and contain the above-listed active ingredients and ingredients represented by
the surrogate of nonylphenol.
An asterisk means the term is defined in Attachment A. This applies to all sections of this General permit.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 4
This General Permit does not cover agricultural storm water discharges or return
an NPDES permit. This General Permit
also does not cover other indirect or nonpoint source discharges from applications of
algaecides and aquatic herbicides, including discharges of pesticides to land that may
be conveyed in storm water or irrigation runoff.
As shown in Table 1, this General Permit becomes effective on December 1, 2013.
To obtain coverage under this General Permit on or after that date, Dischargers must
submit their application for coverage as set forth in Section II.C below, at least
90 days prior to their first pesticide application.
B. Discharger
A Discharger under this General Permit includes any entity involved in the application
of algaecides and aquatic herbicides that results in a discharge of algaecides and
aquatic herbicides and their residues and degradation byproducts to waters of the
United States, and meets either or both of the following two criteria:
The entity has control over the financing for or the decision to perform algaecide and
aquatic herbicide applications that result in discharges, including the ability to modify
those decisions; or
The entity has day-to-day control of algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications or
performs activities that are necessary to ensure compliance with this General Permit.
For example, the entity is authorized to direct workers to carry out activities required
by this General Permit or perform such activities themselves.
C. General Permit Application
To obtain authorization under this General Permit, Dischargers must submit to the
State Water Board a complete application that consists of the following:
1. A Notice of Intent (NOI) shown as Attachment E, signed in accordance with the
signatory requirements of the Standard Provisions in Attachment B;
2. An application fee. A fee is required only for new Dischargers.
Dischargersenrolled under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ and applying for coverage
under this Permit will be billed during the regular billing cycle; and
3. An Aquatic Pesticide* Application Plan (APAP).
Within 90 days of receipt of an application, the State Water Board's Deputy Director of
the Division of Water Quality (Deputy Director) will either issue a Notice of
Applicability (NOA) or deny the application. The NOA will specify the permitted
algaecide and aquatic herbicide active ingredients that may be used, and any region-
specific conditions and requirements not stated in this General Permit. Any such
region-specific conditions and requirements shall be enforceable. The Discharger is
authorized to discharge starting on the date of the NOA.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 5
Alternatively, the Deputy Director or a Regional Water Board Executive Officer may
issue a Notice of Exclusion (NOE),1 which either terminates the permit coverage or
requires submittal of an application for an individual permit or alternative general
permit.
D. Fees
The fee for enrollment under this General Permit shall be based on section 2200(b)(9)
category 3 of title 23, California Code of Regulations, which is available at
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/fees/docs/fy1112fee_schdl_npdes_prmt.pdf
and is payable to the State Water Board.
E. Terminating Coverage
To terminate permit coverage, a Discharger must submit a complete and accurate
Notice of Termination (
authorization to discharge under this General Permit terminates on the day of the
coverage termination letter issued by the Deputy Director. Prior to the termination
effective date, the Discharger is subject to the terms and conditions of this General
Permit and is responsible for submitting the annual fee and all reports associated with
this General Permit.
A Discharger must submit an NOT when one of the following conditions occurs:
1. A new operator has taken over responsibility of the Discharger's algae or aquatic
weed control activities covered under an existing NOA;
2. The Discharger has ceased all discharges from the application of algaecides and
aquatic herbicide for which it obtained General Permit coverage and does not
expect to discharge during the remainder of this General Permit term; or
3. The Discharger has obtained coverage under an individual permit or an
alternative general permit for all discharges required to be covered by an NPDES
permit.
III. FINDINGS
The Fact Sheet (Attachment D), which contains the background information and rationale
for the requirements in this General Permit, is hereby incorporated into this General Permit
and constitutes its findings. All other attachments (A, B, C, and E through G) are also
incorporated into this General Permit.
1 An NOE is a one-page notice that indicates and justifies why the Discharger or proposed Discharger is not
eligible for coverage under this General Permit and states the reason why. This justification can include, but is
not limited to, necessity to comply with a total maximum daily load or to protect sensitive water bodies. The
NOE can also indicate that the coverage is denied if feasible alternatives to the selected pesticide application
project are not analyzed.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 6
THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that this General Permit supersedes Order
No. 2004-0009-DWQ except for enforcement purposes, and in order to meet the provisions
contained in division 7 of the Water Code (commencing with §13000) and regulations adopted
thereunder, and the provisions of the CWA and regulations and guidelines adopted
thereunder, the Discharger shall comply with the requirements in this Order.
IV. DISCHARGE PROHIBITIONS
A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides in a manner different
from that described in this General Permit is prohibited.
B. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides shall not create a
nuisance as defined in section 13050 of the California Water Code.
C. The discharge shall not cause, have a reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to
an in-stream excursion above any applicable standard or criterion promulgated by
U.S. EPA pursuant to section 303 of the CWA, or water quality objective adopted by
the State or Regional Water Boards.
D. All pesticides are prohibited from the waters of the Lahontan Region (Region 6). The
use of this permit is invalid in the Lahontan Region unless the discharger has
requested a prohibition exemption from the Lahontan Water Board and the Lahontan
Water Board has granted an exemption for the use of algaecides or aquatic
herbicides.
V. EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS
A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides must meet applicable
water quality standards; and
B. Dischargers shall implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) when applying
aquatic algaecides and aquatic herbicides. The BMPs must be provided in the APAP
which is described in Section VIII.C below.
VI. RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS
The discharge shall not result in any of the following:
A. The discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides shall not cause or
contribute to an exceedance of the following limitations in the receiving water:*
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 7
Table 3. Receiving Water Limitations
Constituent/
Parameter
BENEFICIAL USE1
Basis MUN,
µg/L
WARM or
COLD,
µg/L
Other than
MUN, WARM,
or COLD, µg/L
All Designations
2,4-D 70 U.S. EPA MCL
Acrolein2 320 21 780
U.S. EPA Water
Quality Criteria,
1986.
Copper2
Dissolved Freshwater3
Copper Chronic = 0.960exp{0.8545
[ln(hardness4)] 1.702} 5, 6
Dissolved saltwater3
Copper Chronic = 0.83exp{0.8545
[ln(hardness4)] 1.702} 5,6
California Toxics
Rule
Diquat 20 U.S. EPA MCL
Endothall 100 U.S. EPA MCL
Fluridone 560
U.S. EPA
Integrated Risk
Information
System
Glyphosate 700 U.S. EPA MCL
Nonylphenol
Freshwater Chronic Criterion =
6.6 µg/L
Saltwater Chronic Criterion =
1.7 µg/L
U.S. EPA National
Recommended
Ambient Water
Quality Criteria
Toxicity Algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications shall not cause or contribute to
toxicity in receiving water(s).
Regional Water
Plans
Notes:
1.Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) for beneficial use definitions.
2. Public entities and mutual water companies* listed in Attachment G are not required to meet these limitations
in receiving waters during the exception period described in the APAP and Section VIII.C.10 below.
3. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95% or more of the time, the
freshwater criteria apply. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or greater than 10 parts per thousand
95% or more of the time, saltwater criteria apply. For waters in which the salinity is between 1 and 10 parts
per thousand, the applicable criteria are the more stringent of the freshwater or saltwater criteria.
4. For freshwater aquatic life criteria, waters with a hardness 400 mg/L or less as calcium carbonate, the actual
ambient hardness of surface water shall be used. For waters with a hardness of over 400 mg/L as calcium
carbonate, a hardness of 400 mg/L as calcium carbonate shall be used with a default Water-Effect Ratio of 1.
5. Values should be rounded to two significant figures.
6. This limitation does not apply to the Sacramento River and its tributaries above the State Highway 32 Bridge at
Hamilton City. See Table III-1 of the Basin Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins for copper
limitation.
B.Dissolved Oxygen. Dissolved oxygen to be below the Regional Water Board Basin
C.Floating Material. Floating material to be present in the amounts that cause nuisance
or adversely affect beneficial uses.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 8
D.Settleable Substances. Settleable substances to be present in concentrations that
result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial
uses.
E.Suspended Material. Suspended material to be present in concentrations that cause
nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
F.Taste and Odors. Taste- or odor-producing substances to be present in
concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to fish flesh or other edible
products of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or otherwise adversely affect
beneficial uses or domestic or municipal water supplies.
G.Toxic Pollutants. Toxic pollutants to be present in the water column, sediments, or
biota in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses; that produce detrimental
response in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life; or that bioaccumulate in aquatic
resources at levels which are harmful to human health.
H.Color. Esthetically undesirable discoloration.
I.Aquatic Communities. Aquatic communities and populations, including vertebrates,
invertebrates, and non-target plant species to be degraded.
VII. RECEIVING WATER MONITORING TRIGGERS
In the absence of Receiving Water Limitations, the Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers
shown in Table 4 below will be used to assess compliance with the narrative receiving
water toxicity limitation. However, exceeding the monitoring trigger does not constitute a
violation of this General Permit as long as the Discharger performs the following actions:
(1) initiates additional investigations for the cause of the exceedance; (2) implements
additional BMPs to reduce the algaecide and aquatic herbicide residue concentration to be
below the monitoring triggers in future applications; and (3) evaluates the appropriateness
of using alternative products.
Table 4. Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers
Ingredient Unit Instantaneous Maximum
Monitoring Trigger Basis
Imazapyr mg/L 11.2 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides
Ecotoxicity Database
Triclopyr
Triethylamine mg/L 13.0 U.S. EPA Office of Pesticides
Ecotoxicity Database
VIII.AQUATIC PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS
A. Application Schedule
The Discharger shall provide a phone number or other specific contact information to
provide the requester with the most current application schedule and inform the
requester if the schedule is subject to change. Information may be made available by
electronic means, including posting prominently on a well-known website.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 9
B. Public Notice Requirements
Every calendar year, at least 15 days prior to the first application of algaecide or
aquatic herbicide, the Discharger shall notify potentially affected public agencies. The
Discharger shall post the notification on its website if available. The notification shall
include the following information:
1. algaecide or aquatic herbicide(s);
2. Name of algaecide and aquatic herbicide(s);
3. Purpose of use;
4. General time period and locations of expected use;
5. Any water use restrictions or precautions during treatment; and
6. A phone number that interested persons may call to obtain additional information
from the Discharger.
C. Aquatic Pesticides Application Plan (APAP)
Dischargers shall submit an APAP at least 90 days before the expected day of permit
coverage. The APAP shall contain, but not be limited to, the following elements
sufficient to address each proposed treatment area:*
1. Description of the water system to which algaecides and aquatic herbicides are
being applied;
2. Description of the treatment area in the water system;
3. Description of types of weed(s) and algae that are being controlled and why;
4. Algaecide and aquatic herbicide products or types of algaecides and aquatic
herbicides expected to be used and if known their degradation byproducts, the
method in which they are applied, and if applicable, the adjuvants and surfactants
used;
5. Discussion of the factors influencing the decision to select algaecide and aquatic
herbicide applications for algae and weed control;
6. If applicable, list the gates or control structures to be used to control the extent of
receiving waters potentially affected by algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application and provide an inspection schedule of those gates or control
structures to ensure they are not leaking;
7. If the Discharger has been granted a short-term or seasonal exception under
State Water Board Policy for Implementation of Toxics Standards for Inland
Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays,* and Estuaries of California (Policy) section 5.3
from meeting acrolein and copper receiving water limitations, provide the
beginning and ending dates of the exception period, and justification for the
needed time for the exception. If algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications
occur outside of the exception period, describe plans to ensure that receiving
water criteria are not exceeded because the Dischargers must comply with the
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 10
acrolein and copper receiving water limitations for all applications that occur
outside of the exception period;
8. Description of monitoring program;
9. Description of procedures used to prevent sample contamination from persons,
equipment, and vehicles associated with algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application;
10. Description of the BMPs to be implemented. The BMPs shall include, at the
minimum:
a. Measures to prevent algaecide and aquatic herbicide spill and for spill
containment during the event of a spill;
b. Measures to ensure that only an appropriate rate of application consistent
with product label requirements is applied for the targeted weeds or algae;
c. T
herbicide applicators on how to avoid any potential adverse effects* from the
algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications;
d. Discussion on planning and coordination with nearby farmers and agencies
with water rights diversion so that beneficial uses of the water (irrigation,
drinking water supply, domestic stock water, etc.) are not impacted during
the treatment period; and
e. A description of measures that will be used for preventing fish kill when
algaecides and aquatic herbicides will be used for algae and aquatic weed
controls.
11. Examination of Possible Alternatives. Dischargers should examine the
alternatives to algaecide and aquatic herbicide use to reduce the need for
applying algaecides and herbicides. Such methods include:
a. Evaluating the following management options, in which the impact to water
quality, impact to non-target organisms including plants, algaecide and
aquatic herbicide resistance, feasibility, and cost effectiveness should be
considered:
i. No action;
ii. Prevention;
iii. Mechanical or physical methods;
iv. Cultural methods;
v. Biological control agents; and
vi. Algaecides and aquatic herbicides;
If there are no alternatives to algaecides and aquatic herbicides, Dischargers
shall use the minimum amount of algaecides and aquatic herbicides that is
necessary to have an effective control program and is consistent with the
algaecide and aquatic herbicide product label requirements.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 11
b. Using the least intrusive method of algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application; and
c. Applying a decision matrix concept to the choice of the most appropriate
formulation.
D. APAP Processing, Approval, and Modifications
website for a
30-day public comment period2 and will distribute a notice via
Lyris list that an APAP has been posted. Staff will coordinate with Regional Water
Board staff in reviewing the application package for completeness and applicability to
this General Permit. If no comments are received and State and Regional Water
Board staff deem the APAP complete, the Deputy Director will issue an NOA within
five (5) working days of closure of the comment period. If comments are received,
staff will work with Regional Water Board staff and the Discharger to address the
comments to allow the Deputy Director to issue an NOA as expeditiously as possible.
Permit coverage will begin when the Discharger receives the NOA.
Major changes to the APAP shall be submitted to the Deputy Director for approval.
Examples of major changes include using a different product other than what is
specified in the APAP, changing an application method that may result in different
amounts of pesticides being applied, or adding or deleting BMPs.
E. Algaecide and Aquatic Herbicide Application Log
The Discharger shall maintain a log for each algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application. The application log shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
1. Date of application;
2. Location of application;
3. Name of applicator;
4. Type and amount of algaecide and aquatic herbicide used;
5. Application details, such as flow and level of water body, time application started
and stopped, algaecide and aquatic herbicide application rate and concentration;
6. Visual monitoring assessment; and
7. Certification that applicator(s) followed the APAP.
2 See Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc. v. EPA, 399 F.3d 486 (2nd Cir. 2005).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 12
IX. PROVISIONS
A. Standard Provisions
1. All Dischargers authorized to discharge under this General Permit shall comply
with the Federal Standard Provisions included in Attachment B of this General
Permit.
2. This General Permit does not authorize the discharge of residual algaecides and
aquatic herbicides or their degradation byproducts to waters of the United States
that are impaired by the active ingredient of the algaecides and herbicides used.
Impaired waters are those waters not meeting water quality standards pursuant to
section 303(d) of the CWA. California impaired waters are listed on:
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/tmdl/2010state_ir_reports
/2010_combo303d.xls.
3. This General Permit does not authorize any take of endangered species. The
discharge is prohibited from adversely impacting biologically sensitive or critical
habitats, including, but not limited to, habitat of species listed under federal or
state endangered species laws. To ensure that endangered species issues are
raised to the responsible agencies, the State Water Board has notified the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife of this General Permit.
4. The State Water Board may use this General Permit to regulate the discharge of
algaecides and aquatic herbicides and their residues to a surface water classified
as Outstanding National Resource Waters or as a water body impaired by
unknown toxicity only after the following conditions are satisfied: (1) the proposed
project will comply with the limitations and discharge requirements specified in
the General Permit; and (2) if required, the proposed algaecide and aquatic
herbicide application qualifies for and has been granted a Basin Plan prohibition
exception prior to discharge. The two bodies of water that are classified as
Outstanding National Resource Waters in California are Lake Tahoe and Mono
Lake.
5. The Discharger must follow all FIFRA pesticide label instructions and any
Restricted Material Use Permits issued by a County Agricultural Commissioner.
6. All adjuvants used with the algaecides and aquatic herbicides must be labeled for
aquatic use.
7. The Discharger must comply with effluent and receiving water limitations and
must develop and implement an APAP.
8. To reduce the potential impacts to water quality, Dischargers shall implement the
feasible alternatives to algaecide and aquatic herbicide use that are identified in
the APAP.
9. All Dischargers authorized to discharge under this General Permit shall comply
with discharge prohibitions and other requirements contained in Basin Plans, as
implemented by the State and the nine Regional Water Boards.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 13
10. All Dischargers authorized to discharge under this General Permit shall comply
with the following provisions:
a. After notice and opportunity for a hearing, this General Permit may be
terminated or modified for cause, including, but not limited to:
i. Violation of any term or condition contained in this General Permit;
ii. Obtaining this General Permit by misrepresentation or by failing to
disclose fully all relevant facts;
iii. A change in any condition that requires either a temporary or permanent
reduction or elimination of the authorized discharge; and
iv. A material change in the character, location, or volume of discharge (if
applicable).
b. The provisions of this General Permit are severable. If any provision of this
General Permit is found invalid, the remainder of this General Permit shall
not be affected.
c. The Discharger shall maintain a copy of this General Permit and make it
available at all times to operating personnel. Key operating personnel shall
be familiar with its content.
d. Laboratories that perform sample analyses must be identified in all
monitoring reports submitted to the State and Regional Water Boards.
e. All monitoring and analysis instruments and devices used by the Discharger
to fulfill the prescribed monitoring program shall be properly maintained and
calibrated based on manufacturer's recommendations to ensure their
continued accuracy.
f. Each Discharger shall file with the State Water Board and the appropriate
Regional Water Board technical reports on self monitoring* performed
according to the detailed specifications contained in the Monitoring and
Reporting Program attached to this General Permit.
g. The State and Regional Water Board are authorized to enforce the terms of
this General Permit under provisions of the California Water Code, including,
but not limited to, sections 13385, 13386, and 13387.
B. Monitoring and Reporting Program Requirements
The Discharger shall comply with the Monitoring and Reporting Program, and future
revisions thereto, in Attachment C of this General Permit.
C. Special Provisions
1.
This General Permit may be reopened for modification and reissuance in
accordance with the provisions contained in title 40 Code Federal Regulation (40
C.F.R.) section 122.62, and for the following reasons:
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 14
a.Addition to the Public Entity List. This General Permit may be reopened
to modify Attachment G if any additional entity becomes qualified for a Policy
section 5.3 exception.
b.Addition of Aquatic Pesticide Active Ingredients . This General Permit
may be reopened to add additional algaecide and aquatic herbicide active
ingredients if new active ingredients are registered by U.S. EPA and DPR.
c.Acute and Chronic Toxicity. If the State Water Board revises the Policy
toxicity control provisions that would require new implementation procedures
including the establishment of numeric chronic toxicity limitations, this
General Permit may be reopened to include numeric acute and/or chronic
toxicity receiving water limitations based on the new provisions.
d.Receiving Water Limitations. This General Permit may be reopened to
add numeric Receiving Water Limitations for the residual algaecide and
aquatic herbicides* exceeding the triggers if the additional investigation
results show necessary.
e.Endangered Species Act. If U.S. EPA develops biological opinions
regarding algaecides and aquatic herbicides included in this General Permit,
this General Permit may be re-opened to add or modify Receiving Water
Limitations/Monitoring Triggers for aquatic herbicides and algaecides and
their residues of concern, if necessary.
2.
In the event of any change in the Discharger that has obtained coverage under
this General Permit, the previous Discharger shall notify the new Discharger of
the existence of this General Permit by letter. A copy of the letter shall be
immediately forwarded to the Deputy Director. After receipt of the letter, the
Deputy Director will terminate the permit coverage to the previous Discharger.
The new Discharger shall complete and submit to the Deputy Director a revised
NOI form (Attachment E), and any revisions to the APAP prepared by the
previous control entity or a new APAP.
3.
Dischargers who seek coverage under this General Permit shall file a complete
application package at least 90 days before the expected date of algaecide and
aquatic herbicide application. The application package shall include an NOI,
APAP, and application fee. Enrolled Dischargers will be billed annually
thereafter.
4.
a.
Each Discharger must conduct additional investigations when the chemical
monitoring shows exceedance of any receiving water limitation or monitoring
trigger. The additional investigations shall identify corrective actions to
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 15
eliminate exceedance of receiving water limitations or monitoring triggers
caused by the algaecide and aquatic herbicide application. The investigation
shall include, but not be limited to evaluating the need to implement one or
more of the following actions: revising and improving the existing BMPs,
revising the mode of application, using less toxic algaecide and aquatic
herbicide products, or selecting alternative methods for algae and aquatic
weed control.
b.
Upon completion of an algaecide and aquatic herbicide project, public
entities and mutual water companies listed in Attachment G of this General
Permit shall provide certification by a qualified biologist* that beneficial uses
of receiving waters have been restored.
5.
a.
If a Receiving Water Limitation in Table 3 or a Monitoring Trigger in Table 4
is exceeded in the Event or Post-Event sample, the Discharger shall perform
the following actions: (1) initiate additional investigations for the cause of the
exceedance, (2) implement appropriate BMPs to reduce the algaecide and
aquatic herbicide concentration to be below the applicable receiving water
limitation or monitoring triggers in future applications, and (3) evaluate the
appropriateness of using alternative products.
b.
If any of the following situations occur, the Discharger must review and, as
necessary, revise the evaluation and selection of the control measures to
ensure that the situation is eliminated and will not be repeated in the future:
i. An unauthorized release or discharge associated with the application of
algaecides and aquatic herbicides (e.g., spill, leak, or discharge not
authorized by this or another NPDES permit) occurs;
ii. The Discharger becomes aware, or the State Water Board concludes,
that the control measures are not adequate/sufficient for the discharge to
meet applicable water quality standards;
iii. Any monitoring activities indicate that the Discharger failed to:
a) Follow the label instructions for the product used;
b) Use the minimum amount of algaecide and aquatic herbicide
product per application and optimum frequency of algaecide and
aquatic herbicide applications that are necessary for an effective
control program consistent with reducing the potential for
development of resistance and the algaecide and aquatic herbicide
product label requirements;
c) Perform regular maintenance activities to reduce leaks, spills, or
other unintended discharges of algaecides and aquatic herbicides
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 16
associated with the application of algaecides and aquatic herbicides
covered under this General Permit; or
d) Maintain algaecide and aquatic herbicide application equipment in
conditions and industry practices, and by calibrating, cleaning, and
repairing such equipment on a regular basis to ensure effective
algaecide and aquatic herbicide application and algae and aquatic
rate of algaecide and aquatic herbicide application is calibrated to
deliver the minimum quantity of algaecides and aquatic herbicides
that is needed to have an effective control program and is consistent
with the algaecide and aquatic herbicide product label requirements.
c.
If the Discharger determines that changes to the control measures are
necessary to eliminate any situation identified above, the Discharger shall
make such changes within 60 days. The Discharger shall take the corrective
action before any further discharge of the algaecides and aquatic herbicides
and their residues will be allowed.
d.
The occurrence of a situation identified in Section C.5.b above may
constitute a violation of this General Permit. Correcting the situation
according to Corrective Action Section C.5.c above does not absolve the
Discharger of liability for any original violation. However, failure to comply
with any Corrective Action as required by Section C.5.c above constitutes an
additional permit violation. The State and Regional Water Boards will
consider the appropriateness and promptness of corrective action in
determining enforcement responses to permit violations.
The State Water Board and the appropriate Regional Water Boards may impose
additional requirements and schedules of compliance, including requirements to
submit additional information concerning the condition(s) triggering corrective
action or schedules and requirements more stringent than specified in this
General Permit. Those requirements and schedules will supersede those in the
Corrective Action Section above if such requirements conflict.
6.
If the Discharger becomes aware of an adverse incident * to a federally-listed
threatened or endangered species or its federally-designated critical habitat, that
application, the Discharger must immediately notify the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) Santa Rosa office by phone at (707) 575-6050 in the case of an
anadromous or marine species, or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at
(916) 414-6600 in the case of a terrestrial or freshwater species. This notification
must be made by telephone immediately when the Discharger becomes aware of
the adverse incident and must include at least the following information:
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE REQUIREMENTS PAGE 17
a. e-mail address;
b. Applicator name and mailing address;
c. The name of the affected species;
d. How and when the Discharger became aware of the adverse incident;
e. Description of the location of the adverse incident;
f. Description of the adverse incident, including the U.S. EPA pesticide
registration number for each product applied in the area of the adverse
incident; and
g. Description of any steps that have been taken or will be taken to alleviate the
adverse impact to the species.
Additional information on federally-listed threatened or endangered species and
federally-designated critical habitat is available from NMFS (www.nmfs.noaa.gov)
for anadromous or marine species or FWS (www.fws.gov) for terrestrial or
freshwater species.
X. COMPLIANCE DETERMINATION
Compliance with receiving water limitations and monitoring triggers shall be determined
through event and post-event monitoring results.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT A DEFINITIONS A-1
Active Ingredient
Active ingredients are ingredients disclosed by manufacturers that yield toxic effects* on target
organisms.
Adjuvants
Adjuvants are ingredients that are mixed with herbicides prior to an application event and are
often trade secrets. These ingredients are chosen by the Discharger, based on site
characteristics, and typically increase the effectiveness of pesticides on target organisms.
Adverse Incident
Adverse Incident means a situation where the Discharger observes upon inspection or
becomes aware of in which:
A person or non-target organism may have been exposed to an algaecide or aquatic
herbicide residue; and
The person or non-target organism suffered an adverse or toxic effect.
Adverse or Toxic Effect
of the United States
on non-target organisms as a result of algaecide or aquatic herbicide residue discharge.
Examples of these effects may include:
Distressed or dead juvenile and small fishes
Washed up or floating fish
Fish swimming abnormally or erratically
Fish lying lethargically at water surface or in shallow water
Fish that are listless or nonresponsive to disturbance
Stunting, wilting, or desiccation of non-target submerged or emergent aquatic plants
Other dead or visibly distressed non-target aquatic organisms (amphibians, turtles,
invertebrates, etc.)
domesticated animals that occur either directly or indirectly from a discharge to waters of the
United States that are temporally and spatially related to exposure to an algaecide and aquatic
herbicide residue (e.g., vomiting, lethargy).
Algae Control
Algae control means the treatment of filamentous algae, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), or
algal species that have the potential to affect human or environmental health.
Application Area
The application area is the area to which aquatic pesticides are directly applied.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT A DEFINITIONS A-2
Application Event
The application event is the time that introduction of the algaecide or aquatic herbicide to the
treatment area takes place, not the length of time that the environment is exposed to the
algaecide or aquatic herbicide.
Aquatic Pesticides
Aquatic pesticides in this General Permit are limited to algaecides and aquatic herbicides
labeled for aquatic use to control aquatic weeds or algae.
Beneficial Uses
Beneficial uses of the waters of the state that may be protected against quality degradation
include, but are not limited to, domestic, municipal, agricultural and industrial supply; power
generation; recreation; aesthetic enjoyment; navigation; and preservation and enhancement of
fish, wildlife, and other aquatic resources or preserves.
Coalition
Specifically refers to a monitoring coalition which is a collaborative monitoring partnership of
dischargers to develop a monitoring plan that addresses the monitoring requirements of this
General Permit. The C Coalition members in lieu
of individual monitoring plans from each member.
Enclosed Bays
Enclosed Bays means indentations along the coast that enclose an area of oceanic water
within distinct headlands or harbor works. Enclosed bays include all bays where the narrowest
distance between the headlands or outermost harbor works is less than 75 percent of the
greatest dimension of the enclosed portion of the bay. Enclosed bays do not include inland
surface waters or ocean waters.
Estuaries
Estuaries means waters, including coastal lagoons, located at the mouths of streams that
serve as areas of mixing for fresh and ocean waters. Coastal lagoons and mouths of streams
that are temporarily separated from the ocean by sandbars shall be considered estuaries.
Estuarine waters shall be considered to extend from a bay or the open ocean to a point
upstream where there is no significant mixing of freshwater and seawater. Estuaries do not
include inland surface waters or ocean waters.
Treatment Area
Application Area
Portion of Water
Body
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT A DEFINITIONS A-3
Half-Life
Half-life is the time required for half of the compound introduced into an ecosystem to be
eliminated or disintegrated by natural processes.
Inert Ingredients
Inert ingredients are additional ingredients and are often trade secrets; therefore, they are not
always disclosed by the manufacturer.
Mutual Water Company
corporation or association organized for the purpose of delivering water to its stockholders and
members at cost, including use of works for conserving, treating, and reclaiming water."
Point Source
Any discernible, confined, and discrete conveyance, including but not limited to, any pipe,
ditch, channel, tunnel, conduit, well, discrete fissure, container, rolling stock concentrated
animal feeding operation, landfill leachate collection system, or vessel or other floating craft
from which pollutants are or may be discharged. This term does not include return flows from
irrigated agriculture or agricultural storm water runoff.
Priority Pollutants
Priority pollutants are listed within the California Toxics Rule in 40 Code of Federal
Regulations, section 131.38(b)(1). Criteria to protect aquatic life and human health are set for
priority pollutants in the California Toxics Rule.
Public Entity
Public entity includes the federal government or a state, county, city and county, city, district,
public authority, or public agency.
Qualified Biologist
A qualified biologist is a biologist who has the knowledge and experience in the ecosystem
where the algaecide or aquatic herbicide is applied so that he or she can adequately evaluate
whether the beneficial uses of the receiving waters have been protected and/or restored upon
completion of the algaecide and aquatic herbicide application project.
Receiving Waters
Receiving waters are waters of the United States anywhere outside of the treatment area at
anytime and anywhere inside the treatment area after completion of the treatment event.
Representative Monitoring Location
algaecide or aquatic herbicide use, and other factors that affect the residual discharge to the
areas being represented in that environmental setting.
Residual Algaecide and Aquatic Herbicide
Residual algaecide and aquatic herbicide are those portions of the pesticides that remain in
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT A DEFINITIONS A-4
the water after the application and its intended purpose (injury or elimination of targeted pests)
have been completed.
Self Monitoring
Sampling and analysis performed by the Discharger or Coalition to determine compliance with
the Permit. All laboratory analyses must be conducted by a laboratory certified by the
California Department of Public Health.
Treatment Area
The treatment area is the area being treated by the algaecide or aquatic herbicide for algae
and aquatic weed control and, therefore, the area being targeted to receive an appropriate rate
of application consistent with product label requirements of algaecide or aquatic herbicide. It is
the responsibility of the Discharger to define the treatment area for each specific algaecide and
aquatic herbicide application.
Waters of the United States
1. All waters which are currently used, were used in the past, or may be susceptible to use in
interstate or foreign commerce, including all waters which are subject to the ebb and flow
of the tide;
2. All interstate waters, including interstate wetlands;
3. All other waters such as intrastate lakes, rivers, streams (including intermittent streams),
mudflats, sand flats, wetlands, sloughs, prairie potholes, wet meadows, playa lakes, or
natural ponds the use, degradation, or destruction of which would affect or could affect
interstate or foreign commerce including any such waters:
a. Which are or could be used by interstate or foreign travelers for recreational or other
purposes;
b. From which fish or shellfish are or could be taken and sold in interstate or foreign
commerce; or
c. Which are used or could be used for industrial purposes by industries in interstate
commerce.
4. All impoundments of waters otherwise defined as waters of the United States under this
definition;
5. Tributaries of waters identified in items1 through 4 of this definition;
6. The territorial sea; and
7. "Wetlands" adjacent to waters (other than waters that are themselves wetlands) identified
in paragraphs (1) through (6) of this definition. Waste treatment systems, including
treatment ponds or lagoons designed to meet the requirements of CWA (other than
cooling ponds as defined in 40 C.F.R. section 423.11(m) which also meet the criteria of
this definition) are not waters of the United States. This exclusion applies only to
manmade bodies of water which neither were originally created in waters of the United
States (such as disposal area in wetlands) nor resulted from the impoundment of waters of
the United States [See Note 1 of this Section.] Waters of the United States do not include
prior converted cropland. Notwithstanding the determination of an area's status as prior
converted cropland by any other federal agency, for the purposes of the Clean Water Act,
the final authority regarding Clean Water Act jurisdiction remains with U.S. EPA.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-1
Attachment B Standard Provisions
1. The Discharger must comply with all of the conditions of this General Permit. Any
noncompliance constitutes a violation of the CWA and the California Water Code
and is grounds for enforcement action, for permit termination, revocation and
reissuance, or modification; or denial of a permit renewal application. (40 C.F.R.
§122.41(a).)
2. The Discharger shall comply with effluent standards or prohibitions established
under section 307(a) of the CWA for toxic pollutants within the time provided in
the regulations that establish these standards or prohibitions, even if this General
Permit has not yet been modified to incorporate the requirement. (40 C.F.R.
§122.41(a)(1).)
It shall not be a defense for a Discharger in an enforcement action that it would have
been necessary to halt or reduce the permitted activity in order to maintain
compliance with the conditions of this General Permit. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(c).)
The Discharger shall take all reasonable steps to minimize or prevent any discharge
in violation of this General Permit that has a reasonable likelihood of adversely
affecting human health or the environment. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(d).)
The Discharger shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and
systems of control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the
Discharger to achieve compliance with the conditions of this General Permit. Proper
operation and maintenance also includes adequate laboratory controls and
appropriate quality assurance procedures. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(e).)
1. This General Permit does not convey any property rights of any sort or any
exclusive privileges. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(g).)
2. The issuance of this General Permit does not authorize any injury to persons or
property or invasion of other private rights, or any infringement of state or local
law or regulations. (40 C.F.R. §122.5(c).)
The Discharger shall allow the Regional Water Board, State Water Board, United
States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), and/or their authorized
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-2
representatives (including an authorized contractor acting as their representative),
upon the presentation of credentials and other documents, as may be required by law,
(40 C.F.R. §122.41(i); Water Code, §13383) to:
1. Enter upon the Discharger's premises where a regulated facility or activity is
located or conducted, or where records are kept under the conditions of this
General Permit;
2. Have access to and copy, at reasonable times, any records that must be kept
under the conditions of this General Permit;
3. Inspect and photograph, at reasonable times, any facilities, equipment (including
monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required
under this General Permit; and
4. Sample or monitor, at reasonable times, for the purposes of assuring General
Permit compliance or as otherwise authorized by the CWA or the Water Code,
any substances or parameters at any location.
This General Permit may be modified, revoked and reissued, or terminated for cause.
The filing of a request by the Discharger for modification, revocation and reissuance,
or termination, or a notification of planned changes or anticipated noncompliance
does not stay any General Permit condition. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(f).)
If the Discharger wishes to continue an activity regulated by this General Permit after
the expiration date of this General Permit, the Discharger must apply for and obtain
authorization as required by the new permit. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(b).)
This General Permit is not transferable to any person except after notice to the State
Water Board. The State Water Board may require modification or revocation and
reissuance of the General Permit to change the name of the Discharger and
incorporate such other requirements as may be necessary under the CWA and the
Water Code. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(3); §122.61.)
If this permit is not reissued or replaced prior to the expiration date, it will be
administratively continued in accordance with 40 C.F.R. section 122.6 and remain in
full force and effect.
Samples and measurements taken for the purpose of monitoring shall be representative of
the monitored activity. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(1).)
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-3
Monitoring results must be conducted according to test procedures under 40 C.F.R.
part 136 unless other test procedures have been specified in this General Permit. (40
C.F.R. §122.41(j)(4); §122.44(i)(1)(iv).)
The Discharger shall retain records of all monitoring information, including all
calibration and maintenance records, copies of all reports required by this General
Permit, and records of all data used to complete the application for this General
Permit, for a period of at least three (3) years from the date of the sample,
measurement, report or application. This period may be extended by request of the
the State Water Board's Deputy Director of the Division of Water Quality (Deputy
Director) at any time. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(2).)
1. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements (40 C.F.R.
§122.41(j)(3)(i).);
2. The individual(s) who performed the sampling or measurements (40 C.F.R.
§122.41(j)(3)(ii).);
3. The date(s) analyses were performed (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(3)(iii).);
4. The individual(s) who performed the analyses (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(3)(iv).);
5. The analytical techniques or methods used (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(3)(v).); and
6. The results of such analyses. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(j)(3)(vi).)
1. The name and address of any permit applicant or Discharger (40 C.F.R.
§122.7(b)(1).); and
2. Permit applications and attachments, permits and effluent data. (40 C.F.R.
§122.7(b)(2).)
The Discharger shall furnish to the Regional Water Board, State Water Board, or
U.S. EPA within a reasonable time, any information which the Regional Water Board,
State Water Board, or U.S. EPA may request to determine whether cause exists for
modifying, revoking and reissuing, or terminating this General Permit or to determine
compliance with this General Permit. Upon request, the Discharger shall also furnish
to the Regional Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S. EPA copies of records
required to be kept by this General Permit. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(h); Wat. Code,
§13267.)
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-4
1. All applications, reports, or information submitted to the Regional Water Board,
State Water Board, and/or U.S. EPA shall be signed and certified in accordance
with Standard Provisions Reporting V.B.2, V.B.3, V.B.4, V.B.5, and V.B.6
below. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(k).)
2.For a corporation. By a responsible corporate officer. For the purpose of this
section, a responsible corporate officer means: (i) A president, secretary,
treasurer, or vice-president of the corporation in charge of a principal business
function, or any other person who perfoms similar policy- or decision-making
functions for the corporation, or (ii) the manager of one or more manufacturing,
production, or operating facilities, provided, the manager is authorized to make
management decisions which govern the operation of the regulated facility
including having the explicit or implicit duty of making major capital investment
recommendations, and initiating and directing other comprehensive measures to
assure long term environmental compliance with environmental laws and
regulations; the manager can ensure that the necessary systems are established
or actions taken to gather complete and accurate information for permit
application requirements; and where authority to sign documents has been
assigned or delegated to the manager in accordance with corporate procedures.
3.For a partnership or sole proprietorship. By a general partner or the
proprietor, respectively;
4.For a municipality, state, federal, or other public agency: All permit
applications shall be signed by either a principal executive officer or ranking
elected official. For purposes of this provision, a principal executive officer of a
federal agency includes: (i) the chief executive officer of the agency, or (ii) a
senior executive officer having responsibility for the overall operations of a
principal geographic unit of the agency (e.g., Regional Administrators of
U.S. EPA). (40 C.F.R. §122.22(a)(3).)
5. All reports required by this General Permit and other information requested by the
Regional Water Board, State Water Board, or U.S. EPA shall be signed by a
person described in Standard Provisions Reporting V.B.1 above, or by a duly
authorized representative of that person. A person is a duly authorized
representative only if:
a. The authorization is made in writing by a person described in Standard
Provisions Reporting V.B.1 above (40 C.F.R. §122.22(b)(1).);
b. The authorization specifies either an individual or a position having
responsibility for the overall operation of the regulated facility or activity or an
individual or a position having overall responsibility for environmental matters
for the company. (A duly authorized representative may thus be either a
named individual or any individual occupying a named position.) (40 C.F.R.
§122.22(b)(2).); and
c. The written authorization is submitted to the Regional Water Board and State
Water Board. (40 C.F.R. §122.22(b)(3).)
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-5
6. If an authorization under Standard Provisions Reporting V.B.1 above is no
longer accurate because a different individual or position has responsibility for the
overall operation of the facility, a new authorization satisfying the requirements of
Standard Provisions Reporting V.B.1 above must be submitted to the Regional
Water Board and State Water Board prior to or together with any reports,
information, or applications, to be signed by an authorized representative.
(40 C.F.R. §122.22(c).)
Any person signing a document under Standard Provisions Reporting V.B.1 or
V.B.3 above shall make the following certification:
prepared under my direction or supervision in accordance with a system
designed to assure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the
information submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who
manage the system or those persons directly responsible for gathering the
information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief,
true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for
submitting false information, including the possibility of fine and imprisonment for
§122.22(d).)
1. Monitoring results shall be reported at the intervals specified in the Monitoring
and Reporting Program (Attachment C) in this General Permit. (40 C.F.R.
§122.22(l)(4).)
2. Monitoring results must be reported on a Self Monitoring* Report (SMR) form as
agreed to by the Deputy Director and the Discharger.
3. If the Discharger monitors any pollutant more frequently than required by this
General Permit using test procedures approved under 40 C.F.R part 136 or as
specified in this General Permit, the results of this monitoring shall be included in
the calculation and reporting of the data submitted in the SMR or a reporting form
specified by the State Water Board. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(4)(ii).)
4. Calculations for all limitations, which require averaging of measurements, shall
utilize an arithmetic mean unless otherwise specified in this General Permit.
(40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(4)(iii).)
Reports of compliance or noncompliance with, or any progress reports on, interim and
final requirements contained in any compliance schedule of this General Permit, shall
be submitted no later than 14 days following each schedule date. (40 C.F.R.
§122.41(l)(5).)
The Discharger shall give notice to the State and the Regional Water Board as soon
as possible of any planned physical alterations or additions to the permitted activity or
discharge. Notice is required under this provision (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(1)) only when
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT B STANDARD PROVISIONS B-6
the alteration or addition could significantly change the nature or increase the quantity
of pollutants discharged. This notification applies to pollutants that are subject neither
to effluent limitations in this General Permit nor to notification requirements under
40 C.F.R. section 122.42(a)(1).
The Discharger shall give advance notice to the State and Regional Water Boards of
any planned changes in the permitted discharge or activity that may result in
noncompliance with General Permit requirements. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(2).)
The Discharger shall report all instances of noncompliance not reported under
Standard Provisions Reporting V.C, V.D, and V.E above at the time monitoring
reports are submitted. The reports shall contain the information listed in Standard
Provision Reporting V.F above. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(7).)
When the Discharger becomes aware that it failed to submit any relevant facts in a
permit application, or submitted incorrect information in a permit application or in any
report to the State Water Board, Regional Water Board, or U.S. EPA, the Discharger
shall promptly submit such facts or information. (40 C.F.R. §122.41(l)(8).)
The State and the Regional Water Boards are authorized to enforce the terms of this
General Permit under several provisions of the Water Code, including, but not limited to,
sections 13385, 13386, and 13387.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-1
Attachment C Monitoring and Reporting Program
I. General Monitoring Provisions ........................................................................................ C-2
II. Monitoring Locations and Sample Types ........................................................................ C-3
A. Monitoring Locations ................................................................................................ C-3
B. Sample Types .......................................................................................................... C-4
III. Receiving Water Monitoring Requirements Surface Water.......................................... C-4
A. General Monitoring Requirements ........................................................................... C-4
B. Visual, Physical, and Chemical Monitoring Requirements ....................................... C-5
IV. Reporting Requirements ................................................................................................. C-6
A. General Monitoring and Reporting Requirements .................................................... C-6
B. Annual Information Collection .................................................................................. C-7
C. Annual Report .......................................................................................................... C-8
D. Electronic Reporting ................................................................................................ C-8
E. Reporting Protocols ................................................................................................. C-8
F. Other Reporting Requirements .............................................................................. C-10
Table C-1. Monitoring Requirements ...................................................................................... C-6
Table C-2. Reporting Schedule .............................................................................................. C-8
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-2
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
Section 122.48 of title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (40 C.F.R. §122.48) requires that
all NPDES permits specify monitoring and reporting requirements. California Water Code
sections 13267 and 13383 also authorize the State Water Resources Control Board (the State
Water Board) and the Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) to require
technical and monitoring reports. This Monitoring and Reporting Program (MRP) establishes
monitoring and reporting requirements which implement federal and California State laws and
regulations.
This MRP is designed to address the two key questions shown below. It also encourages
Dischargers to form monitoring coalitions with others doing similar applications within a given
watershed or doing applications of similar environmental settings (flowing water and non-
flowing water). The Coalition or Discharger may select sites representing worst case
scenarios or high-use areas for each active ingredient in each environmental setting. If the
Discharger elects in its Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan (APAP) to undertake monitoring and
reporting through a Coalition, then the Coalition will prepare and implement an MRP (pursuant
to this Attachment C) and act on behalf of the Discharger with respect to monitoring and
reporting. Otherwise, the Discharger will prepare and implement an individual MRP.
Question No. 1: Does the residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides discharge cause an
exceedance of receiving water limitations?
Question No. 2: Does the discharge of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides, including
active ingredients, inert ingredients, and degradation byproducts, in any combination cause or
If the Discharger elects in its APAP to undertake monitoring and reporting through a Coalition,
the APAP should reference and attach the Coaliti
I. GENERAL MONITORING PROVISIONS
A. Samples and measurements taken as required herein shall be representative of the
nature of the monitored discharge. All samples shall be taken at the anticipated
monitoring locations specified in the Dis
B. All laboratory analyses shall be conducted at a laboratory certified for such analyses
by the California Department of Public Health in accordance with California Water
Code section 13176. Laboratories that perform sample analyses shall be identified in
all monitoring reports. The Discharger shall institute a Quality Assurance-Quality
Control Program for any onsite field measurements such as electric conductivity, pH,
turbidity, and temperature. A manual containing the steps followed in this program
must be kept in the laboratory and shall be available for inspection by the State Water
Board and the appropriate Regional Water Board staff. The Quality Assurance-
Quality Control Program must conform to United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) guidelines or to procedures approved by the State Water Board
and the appropriate Regional Water Board.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-3
C.
Establishing Test Procedures for Analysis of Pollutants,
U.S. EPA in title 40 Code Federal Regulation (40 C.F.R.) 136 or equivalent methods
that are commercially and reasonably available and that provide quantification of
sampling parameters and constituents sufficient to evaluate compliance with
applicable effluent limits and to perform reasonable potential analysis. Equivalent
methods must be more sensitive than those specified in 40 C.F.R. 136 if the method
is available in the 40 C.F.R. 136, and must be approved for use by the Regional
Water Board Executive Officer.
Any procedures to prevent the contamination of samples as described in the
monitoring program in the APAP shall be implemented.
D. Records of monitoring information shall include the following:
1. The date, exact place, and time of sampling or measurements;
2. The individuals who performed the sampling or measurements;
3. The dates analysis were performed;
4. The individuals who performed the analyses;
5. The analytical techniques or methods used; and
6. Results of analyses.
E. All monitoring instruments and devices used to fulfill the prescribed monitoring
program shall be properly maintained and calibrated as necessary to ensure their
accuracy.
F. Monitoring results, including noncompliance, shall be reported at intervals and in a
manner specified in this MRP.
II. MONITORING LOCATIONS AND SAMPLE TYPES
Each Discharger or Coalition shall establish monitoring locations specified in the
APAP to demonstrate compliance with the receiving water limitations, discharge
specifications, and other requirements in this General Permit. The number and
location of samples shall be selected to answer the two key questions. A Discharger
or Coalition may use representative monitoring locations* to characterize water quality
for all waters of the United States C
each environmental setting (flowing water and non-flowing water). However, the
Discharger or Coalition must provide justification for the selection of the
,
minimum, a location must be similar in hydrology, algaecides and aquatic herbicides
use, and other factors that affect the discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides
and their residues to surface waters as a result of applications to the areas being
represented in that environmental setting. Each Discharger or Coalition must provide
technical justification and identify which areas are to be considered representative.
Monitoring location information shall include a description of the treatment area, GPS
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-4
coordinates if feasible, and algaecides and aquatic herbicides being applied. The
specific monitoring locations initially identified as representative monitoring locations
may be changed based on surveillance of the Discharger or Coalition.
Sample Types
The following monitoring is required for each sampling:
1.Background Monitoring. Background monitoring samples shall be collected
upstream at the time of the application event* or in the application area* just prior
to (up to 24 hours in advance of) the application event.
2.Event Monitoring. Event monitoring samples shall be collected immediately
downstream of the treatment area in flowing waters or immediately outside of the
treatment area in non-flowing waters, immediately after the application event, but
after sufficient time has elapsed such that treated water would have exited the
treatment area.
3.Post-Event Monitoring. Post-event monitoring samples shall be collected within
the treatment area within one week after application.
III. RECEIVING WATER MONITORING REQUIREMENTS SURFACE WATER
The monitoring program described in the APAP shall be designed to answer the two
key questions stated above. The monitoring program in the APAP shall describe the
tasks and time schedules in which these two key questions will be addressed.
Monitoring shall take place at locations that are being planned to be applied or may
The monitoring program described in the APAP must consider watershed specific
attributes and waste constituents, based on the characteristics of applications within
area, as well as the receiving water quality conditions.
Developing the details of a monitoring design requires clearly defining several inputs
to the design and then organizing these in a logical framework that supports effective
decision making about indicators, monitoring locations, and monitoring frequency.
The logical framework should describe:
1. The basic geographic and hydrographic features of the area, particularly
application points and the pathways(s) of residue flows;
2. Algaecides and aquatic herbicides application practices and how they are
distributed in space and time;
3. Relevant knowledge about the transport, fates, and effects of algaecides and
aquatic herbicides, including best- and worst-case scenarios;
4. Description of the designated beneficial uses in each water body;
5. Relevant knowledge about the action of cumulative and indirect effects;
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-5
6. Mechanisms through which algaecides and aquatic herbicides applications could
lead to designated use impacts, given the basic features of the area;
7. Known and potential impacts of algaecides and aquatic herbicides applications
on water quality, ranked in terms of relative risk, based on factors such as
magnitude, frequency and duration;
8. Suf
9. A description of sampling methods and a sampling schedule.
In conducting the receiving water sampling, a log shall be kept of the receiving water
conditions throughout the reach bounded by the treatment area. Attention shall be
given to the presence or absence of:
1. Floating or suspended matter;
2. Discoloration;
3. Bottom deposits;
4. Aquatic life;
5. Visible films, sheens, or coatings;
6. Fungi, slimes, or objectionable growths; and
7. Potential nuisance conditions.
Notes on receiving water conditions shall be summarized in the monitoring report.
Monitoring shall take place at locations that are described and scheduled in the
frequent and routine monitoring on a pre-determined schedule, as summarized in the
Table C-1 below:
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-6
Table C-1. Monitoring Requirements
Sample
Type Constituent/Parameter Units Sample
Method
Minimum
Sampling
Frequency
Sample
Type
Requirement
Required
Analytical
Test
Method
Visual
1. Monitoring area
description (pond, lake,
open waterway,
channel, etc.)
2. Appearance of
waterway (sheen, color,
clarity, etc.)
3. Weather conditions
(fog, rain, wind, etc.)
Not
applicable
Visual
Observation
1 Background,
Event and Post-
event Monitoring
Not
applicable
Physical
1. Temperature
2 ºF
Grab4 5
Background,
Event and Post-
event Monitoring
6
2. pH
3 Number
3. Turbidity
3 NTU
4. Electric Conductivity
3 @
25°C µmhos/cm
Chemical
1. Active Ingredient
7 µg/L
Grab4 5
Background,
Event and Post-
event Monitoring
6
2. Nonylphenol
8 µg/L
3. Hardness (if copper is
monitored)mg/L
4. Dissolved Oxygen
2 mg/L
1 All applications at all sites.
2 Field testing.
3 Field or laboratory testing.
4 Samples shall be collected at three feet below the surface of the water body or at mid water column depth if
the depth is less than three feet.
5 Collect samples from a minimum of six application events for each active ingredient in each environmental
setting (flowing water and non-flowing water) per year, except for glyphosate. If there are less than six
application events in a year, collect samples during each application event for each active ingredient in each
environmental setting (flowing water and non-flowing water). If the results from six consecutive sampling
events show concentrations that are less than the receiving water limitation/trigger for an active ingredient in
an environmental setting, sampling shall be reduced to one application event per year for that active
ingredient in that environmental setting. If the yearly sampling event shows exceedance of the receiving water
limitation/trigger for an active ingredient in an environmental setting, then sampling shall return to six
application events for that active ingredient in each environmental setting. For glyphosate, collect samples
from one application event from each environmental setting (flowing water and non-flowing water) per year.
6 Pollutants shall be analyzed using the analytical methods described in 40 C.F.R. part 136.
7 2,4-D, acrolein, dissolved copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr, penoxsulam,
and triclopyr.
8 It is required only when a surfactant is used.
IV. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
General Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
1. The Coalition or Discharger shall comply with all Standard Provisions
(Attachment B) related to monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-7
2. Upon written direction of the State Water Board or the Regional Water Board, the
Coalition or Discharger shall submit information as specified.
3. The Coalition or Discharger shall report to the State Water Board and appropriate
Regional Water Board any toxic chemical release data that are reported to the
State Emergency Response Commission within 15 days of reporting the data to
the Commission pursuant to section 313 of the "Emergency Planning and
Community .
Annual Information Collection
The Coalition or Discharger shall complete and retain all information on the previous
reporting year beginning January 1 and ending December 31. When requested by
the Deputy Director or Executive Officer of the applicable Regional Water Board, the
Coalition or Discharger shall submit the annual information which must include the
following:
1. An executive summary discussing compliance or violation of this General Permit
and the effectiveness of the APAP to reduce or prevent the discharge of
pollutants associated with algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications;
2. A summary of monitoring data, including the identification of water quality
improvements or degradation as a result of the algaecide or aquatic pesticide
application, if appropriate, and recommendations for improvements to the APAP
[including proposed best management practices (BMPs)] and monitoring program
based on the monitoring results. All receiving water monitoring data shall be
compared to receiving water limitations and receiving water monitoring triggers;
3. Identification of BMPs currently in use and a discussion of their effectiveness in
meeting the requirements in this General Permit;
4. A discussion of BMP modifications addressing violations of this General Permit;
5. A map showing the location of each treatment area;
6. Types and amounts of algaecides and aquatic herbicides used at each
application event;*
7. Information on surface area and/or volume of treatment areas and any other
information used to calculate dosage, concentration, and quantity of each
algaecide and aquatic herbicide used;
8. Sampling results shall indicate the name of the sampling agency or organization,
detailed sampling location information (including latitude and longitude or
township/range/section if available), detailed map or description of each sampling
area (address, cross roads, etc.), collection date, name of constituent/parameter
and its concentration detected, minimum levels, method detection limits for each
constituent analysis, name or description of water body sampled, and a
comparison with applicable water quality standards, description of analytical
QA/quality control plan. Sampling results shall be tabulated so that they are
readily discernible; and
9. Summary of algaecide and aquatic herbicide application log.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-8
The Coalition or Discharger shall submit to the Deputy Director and the appropriate
Regional Water Board Executive Officer an annual report consisting of a summary of
the past year activities, and certify compliance with all requirements of this General
Permit. If there is no discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides, their residues,
or their degradation byproducts, the Coalition or Discharger shall provide the Deputy
Director and the appropriate Regional Water Board Executive Officer a certification
that algaecide and aquatic herbicide application activities did not result in a discharge
to any water body. The annual report shall contain the following information:
1. An executive summary discussing compliance or violation of this General Permit
and the effectiveness of the APAP; and
2. A summary of monitoring data, including the identification of water quality
improvements or degradation as a result of the algaecide or aquatic pesticide
application,
3. Dischargers shall submit the annual report according to the following schedule:
Table C-2. Reporting Schedule
Reporting
Frequency Reporting Period Annual Report Due
Annual January 1 through December 31 March 1
At any time during the term of this General Permit, the State Water Board or the
appropriate Regional Water Board may notify the Coalition or Discharger of the
requirement to submit electronically Self Monitoring Reports (SMRs) using the State
(http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/ciwqs/index.html). Until such notification is given, the
Coalition or Discharger shall submit hardcopy SMRs. The CIWQS website will
provide additional directions for SMR submittal in the event there will be service
interruption for electronic submittal.
The Coalition or Discharger shall report the results for all monitoring specified in this
MRP in the SMR. The Coalition or Discharger shall submit annual SMRs including
the results of all required monitoring using U.S. EPA-approved test methods or other
test methods specified in this General Permit. If the Coalition or Discharger monitors
any pollutant more frequently than required by this General Permit, the results of this
monitoring shall be included in the calculations and reporting of the data submitted in
the SMR.
Reporting Protocols
The Coalition or Discharger shall report with each sample result the applicable
reported Minimum Level (ML) and the current Minimum Detection Limit, as
determined by the procedure in 40 C.F.R. part 136.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-9
The Coalition or Discharger shall report the results of analytical determinations for the
presence of chemical constituents in a sample using the following reporting protocols:
1. Sample results greater than or equal to the reported ML shall be reported as
measured by the laboratory (i.e., the measured chemical concentration in the
sample).
2. Sample results less than the Report Limit, but greater than or equal to the
The estimated chemical concentration of the sample shall also be reported.
For the purposes of data collection, the laboratory shall write the estimated
may, if such
information is available, include numerical estimates of the data quality for the
reported result. Numerical estimates of data quality may be percent accuracy
(plus a percentage of the reported value), numerical ranges (low to high), or any
other means considered appropriate by the laboratory.
3.
by the MDL.
4. The Coalition or Discharger shall instruct laboratories to establish calibration
standards so that the ML value (or its equivalent if there is differential treatment of
samples relative to calibration standards) is the lowest calibration standard. At no
time is the Coalition or Discharger to use analytical data derived from
extrapolation beyond the lowest point of the calibration curve.
5. Multiple Sample Data: If two or more sample results are available, the Coalition
or Discharger shall compute the arithmetic mean unless the data set contains one
or more reported determinations of ose cases,
the Coalition or Discharger shall compute the median in place of the arithmetic
mean in accordance with the following procedure:
a. The data set shall be ranked from low to high, ranking the reported ND
determinations lowest, DNQ determinations next, followed by quantified
values (if any). The order of the individual ND or DNQ determinations is
unimportant.
b. The median value of the data set shall be determined. If the data set has an
odd number of data points, then the median is the middle value. If the data
set has an even number of data points, then the median is the average of the
two values around the middle unless one or both of the points are ND or
DNQ, in which case the median value shall be the lower of the two data
points where DNQ is lower than a value and ND is lower than DNQ.
6. The annual report shall comply with the following requirements:
a. The Coalition or Discharger shall arrange all reported data in a tabular
format. The data shall be summarized to clearly illustrate whether the
algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications are conducted in compliance
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-10
with effluent and receiving water limitations. The Coalition or Discharger is
not required to duplicate the submittal of data that are entered in a tabular
format within CIWQS. When electronic submittal of data is required and
CIWQS does not provide for entry into a tabular format within the system, the
Coalition or Discharger shall submit electronically the data in a tabular format
as an attachment.
b. The Coalition or Discharger shall attach a cover letter to the annual report
that clearly identifies violations of the permit; discusses corrective actions
taken or planned; and provides a time schedule for corrective actions.
Identified violations must include a description of the requirement that was
violated and a description of the violation.
c. The annual report must be submitted to the State Water Board and the
appropriate Regional Water Board, signed and certified as required by the
Standard Provisions (Attachment B).
Other Reporting Requirements
1.
The Coalition or Discharger shall report to the State Water Board and appropriate
Regional Water Board any noncompliance, including any unexpected or
unintended effect of an algaecide or aquatic herbicide use that may endanger
health or the environment. Any information shall be provided orally within 24
hours from the time the Coalition or Discharger becomes aware of the
circumstances and must include the following information:
a.
b. Applicator name and mailing address;
c. Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number;
d. The name and telephone number of a contact person;
e. How and when the Coalition or Discharger become aware of the
noncompliance;
f. Description of the location of the noncompliance;
g. Description of the noncompliance identified and the U.S. EPA pesticide
registration number for each product the Discharger applied in the area of the
noncompliance; and
h. Description of any steps that the Coalition or Discharger has taken or will
take to correct, repair, remedy, cleanup, or otherwise address any adverse
effects.
If the Coalition or Discharger is unable to notify the State and the appropriate
Regional Water Board within 24 hours, the Coalition or Discharger must do so as
soon as possible and also provide the rationale for why the Discharger was
unable to provide such notification within 24 hours.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT C MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM C-11
2.
The Coalition or Discharger shall also provide a written submission within five (5)
days of the time the Discharger becomes aware of the noncompliance. The
written submission shall contain the following information:
a. Date and time the Coalition or Discharger contacted the State Water Board
and the appropriate Regional Water Board notifying of the noncompliance
and any instructions received from the State and/or Regional Water Board;
information required to be provided in Section D.1 (24-Hour Reporting);
b. A description of the noncompliance and its cause, including exact date and
time and species affected, estimated number of individual and approximate
size of dead or distressed organisms (other than the pests to be eliminated);
c. Location of incident, including the names of any waters affected and
appearance of those waters (sheen, color, clarity, etc);
d. Magnitude and scope of the affected area (e.g. aquatic square area or total
stream distance affected);
e. Algaecide and aquatic herbicide application rate, intended use site (e.g.,
banks, above, or direct to water), method of application, and name of
algaecide and herbicide product, description of algaecide and herbicide
ingredients, and U.S. EPA registration number;
f. Description of the habitat and the circumstances under which the
noncompliance activity occurred (including any available ambient water data
for aquatic algaecides and aquatic herbicides applied);
g. Laboratory tests performed, if any, and timing of tests. Provide a summary of
the test results within five days after they become available;
h. If applicable, explain why the Coalition or Discharger believes the
noncompliance could not have been caused by exposure to the algaecides
i. Actions to be taken to prevent recurrence of adverse incidents.
The State Water Board staff or Regional Water Board staff may waive the above-
required written report under this provision on a case-by-case basis if an oral
report has been received within 24 hours.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-1
Attachment D Fact Sheet
I. Permit Information .......................................................................................................... D-3
A. Background .............................................................................................................. D-3
B. General Criteria ....................................................................................................... D-7
II. Notification Requirements............................................................................................... D-8
A. General Permit Application ...................................................................................... D-8
B. Fee........................................................................................................................... D-9
C. Public Notification .................................................................................................... D-9
III. Discharge Description .................................................................................................... D-9
A. Existing Discharge Description ................................................................................ D-9
B. Annual Report Review ........................................................................................... D-10
C. Receiving Water Description .................................................................................. D-11
IV. Applicable Plans, Policies, and Regulations ................................................................. D-11
A. Legal Authorities .................................................................................................... D-11
B. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) ........................................................ D-11
C. State and Federal Regulations, Policies, and Plans .............................................. D-11
V. Rationale For Effluent Limitations and Discharge Specifications .................................. D-15
A. Discharge Prohibitions ........................................................................................... D-16
B. Effluent Limitations ................................................................................................ D-17
VI. Rationale for Receiving Water Limitations and Monitoring Triggers ............................. D-21
A. Groundwater .......................................................................................................... D-21
B. Surface Water ........................................................................................................ D-21
VII. Rationale for Monitoring and Reporting Requirements ................................................. D-30
A. MRP Goals ............................................................................................................ D-30
B. Effluent Monitoring ................................................................................................. D-31
C. Toxicity Testing Requirements ............................................................................... D-31
D. Receiving Water Monitoring ................................................................................... D-32
VIII. Rationale for Aquatic Pesticide Use Requirements ...................................................... D-32
A. Application Schedule ............................................................................................. D-32
B. Application Notification Requirements ................................................................... D-33
C. APAP ..................................................................................................................... D-33
D. APAP Processing, Approval, and Modifications ..................................................... D-33
E. Aquatic Pesticide Application Log .......................................................................... D-33
IX. Rationale for Provisions ................................................................................................ D-33
A. Standard Provisions ............................................................................................... D-33
B. Special Provisions ................................................................................................. D-34
X. Compliance Determination ........................................................................................... D-35
XI. Public Participation ....................................................................................................... D-36
A. Notification of Interested Parties ............................................................................ D-36
B. Written Comments ................................................................................................. D-36
C. Public Hearing and Meeting ................................................................................... D-36
D. Information and Copying ........................................................................................ D-37
E. Register of Interested Persons .............................................................................. D-37
F. Additional Information ............................................................................................ D-37
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-2
Table D-1. Monitoring Data Summary, 2004-2008, Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ .................. D-10
Table D-2. Summary of Receiving Water Limitations ........................................................... D-23
Table D-3. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazamox (CAS# 114311-32-9) .............................. D-25
Table D-4. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazapyr (CAS#81334-34-1) ................................... D-26
Table D-5. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazapyr Isopropylamine Salt (CAS#81510-83-0) ... D-27
Table D-6. Toxicity Data Summary for Penoxsulam (CAS#219714-96-2) ............................ D-28
Table D-7. Toxicity Data Summary for Triclopyr TEA Salt (CAS#57213-69-1) ..................... D-29
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-3
Attachment D Fact Sheet
As described in Section III, Findings, of this General Permit, the State Water Resources
Control Board (State Water Board) incorporates this Fact Sheet as findings of the State Water
Board that support the issuance of this General Permit. This Fact Sheet includes the legal
requirements and technical rationale that serve as the basis for the requirements of this
General Permit.
This General Permit has been prepared under a standardized format to accommodate a broad
range of discharge requirements for Dischargers in California.
I. PERMIT INFORMATION
1.
In 1972, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (also referred to as the Clean
Water Act or CWA) was amended to provide that the discharge of pollutants to
waters of the United States from any point source is effectively prohibited unless
the discharge is in compliance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) Permit.
On September 22, 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
granted the State of California, through the State Water Resources Control Board
(State Water Board) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional
Water Boards), the authority to issue general NPDES permits pursuant to
title 40 Code of Federal Regulations (40 C.F.R.) 122 and 123.
Section 122.28 of 40 C.F.R. provides for issuance of general permits to regulate
a category of point sources if the sources involve the same or substantially similar
types of operations; discharge the same type of waste; require the same type of
effluent limitations or operating conditions; require similar monitoring; and are
more appropriately regulated under a general permit rather than individual
permits.
On March 12, 2001, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that discharges of
pollutants from the use of aquatic pesticides in waters of the United States
require coverage under an NPDES permit. (Headwaters, Inc. v. Talent Irrigation
District).3 The Talent decision was issued just prior to the major season for
applying aquatic pesticides.
Because of the serious public health, safety, and economic implications of
delaying pesticide applications, in 2001 the State Water Board adopted Water
Quality Order (Order) No. 2001-12-DWQ, Statewide General NPDES Permit for
3 243 F.3d 526 (9th Cir., 2001).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-4
Discharges of Aquatic Pesticides to Waters of the United States on an
emergency basis to provide immediate NPDES permit coverage for broad
categories of aquatic pesticide use in California.
Order No. 2001-12-DWQ imposed requirements on any discharge of aquatic
pesticides by public entities to waters of the United States in accordance with the
Policy which establishes procedures for implementing water quality standards for
priority pollutants* in NPDES permits.
Section 5.3 of the State Water Board Policy for Implementation of Toxics
Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of California
(Policy) allows for short-term or seasonal exceptions from its requirements for
resource or pest management conducted by public entities or mutual water
companies. In order to qualify for an exception from meeting priority pollutant
standards, a public entity must fulfill the requirements listed in section 5.3 and the
State Water Board must decide to grant the exception. Among other
requirements, entities seeking an exception to complying with water quality
standards for priority pollutants must submit documents in compliance with
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).4 Because of the emergency
adoption of Order No. 2001-12-DWQ, the State Water Board invoked an
exemption to the requirements of section 5.3 of the Policy and issued the permit
incorporating a categorical exception to water quality standards for priority
pollutants.
Order No. 2001-12-DWQ required that Dischargers develop a best management
practices (BMPs) plan that minimizes adverse impacts to receiving waters and a
monitoring and reporting plan that is representative of each type of aquatic
pesticide application.
In August 2001, Waterkeepers Northern California (Waterkeepers) filed a lawsuit
against the State Water Board challenging several aspects of Order No. 2001-12-
DWQ. Major aspects of the challenge included the emergency adoption of the
Order without compliance with CEQA and other exception requirements of the
Policy; failure to address cumulative impacts; and failure to comply with the
California Toxics Rule (CTR).5
fund a comprehensive aquatic pesticide monitoring program that would assess
receiving water toxicity caused by aquatic pesticides and alternatives for pesticide
use. The State Water Board contracted with the San Francisco Estuary Institute
(SFEI) to conduct the program. SFEI published the final report on
February 5, 2004.
In November 2002, the Ninth Circuit issued another opinion concerning the need
for an NPDES permit for pesticide application. (League of Wilderness Defenders
4 Cal. Pub. Resources Code § 21000 et. seq.
5 40 C.F.R. Section 131.38.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-5
v. Forsgren.6) In this case, the court held that the USDA Forest Service must
obtain an NPDES permit before it sprays insecticides* from an aircraft directly
into or over rivers as part of silviculture activities. The court found that the
insecticides are pollutants under the CWA. The court also defined the exemption
U.S. EPA
regulations to be limited to pest control activities from which there is natural
runoff.
Also in 2002, the Second Circuit issued an unpublished decision regarding the
need for an NPDES permit for application of pesticides for mosquito control in
federal wetland areas. (Altman v. Town of Amherst.) The lower court had
d
appropriately regulated under Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(FIFRA).
matter. In its unpublished decision, the Second Circuit expressed concern that:
- among other
things, whether properly used pesticides released into or over waters of the
United States can trigger the requirements for NPDES permits - the question of
whether properly used pesticides can become pollutants that violate the [Clean
Water Act] will remain open.
Order No. 2001-12-DWQ expired on January 31, 2004. In 2004, it was replaced
by two general permits: a vector control permit for larvicides (Order No. 2004-
0008-DWQ) and a weed control permit (Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ). The State
Water Board determined that adoption of these two permits was consistent with
the Ninth Circuit decisions.
In 2005, the Ninth Circuit held that a pesticide that is applied consistent with
Fairhurst v. Hagener),7 but also stated that it
would not change its decision in Headwaters. The court stated that whether an
NPDES permit was required depe
Fairhurst, the court found
neither residue nor unintended effect was present. Therefore, the pesticide
application at issue did not require an NPDES permit.
U.S. EPA On November 20, 2006, U.S. EPA adopted a final
regulation providing that NPDES permits are not required for pesticide
applications as long as the Discharger follows FIFRA label instructions.
According to the regulation, pesticides applied under the following two
circumstances are not pollutants and, therefore, are not subject to NPDES
permitting requirements:
a. The application of pesticides directly to waters of the United States in order
to control pests. Examples of such applications include applications to control
6 309 F.3d 1181 (9th Cir., 2002).
7 422 F.3d 1146 (9th Cir., 2005).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-6
mosquito larvae, aquatic weeds, or other pests that are present in waters of
the United States; and
b. The application of pesticides to control pests that are present over waters of
the United States, including near such waters, where a portion of the
pesticides will unavoidably be deposited to waters of the United States in
order to target the pests effectively; for example, when insecticides are
aerially applied to a forest canopy where waters of the United States may be
present below the canopy or when pesticides are applied over or near water
for control of adult mosquitoes or other pests.
Lawsuits Against U.S. EPA After U.S. EPA
adopted in 2006, lawsuits were filed by both the pesticide industry and
environmental groups in 11 of the 13 Circuits, including the Ninth Circuit Court,
challenging U.S. EPA
The National Cotton Council of America v. U.S. EPA: 8 The petitions for review
were consolidated in the Sixth Circuit Court by an order of the Judicial Panel on
Multidistrict Litigation.
On January 11, 2009, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals determined that
U.S. EPA
the Final Rule. U.S. EPA did not request reconsideration of the decision, but did
file a motion for a two-year stay of the effect of the decision in order to provide
agencies time to develop, propose, and issue NPDES general permits for
pesticide applications covered by the ruling. On June 8, 2009, the Sixth Circuit
granted the motion, such that the U.S. EPA exemption was to remain in place
until April 9, 2011. Subsequently, U.S. EPA was granted an extension of the
stay, which allowed the exemption to continue until October 31, 2011.
2.
Adjuvants or surfactants may be added to the ingredients in the application
equipment that is used in the delivery of the aquatic pesticide.
As part of the registration process of pesticides for use in California, U.S. EPA
and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) evaluate data
submitted by registrants to ensure that a product used according to label
instructions will cause no harm or adverse impact on non-target organisms that
cannot be reduced or mitigated with protective measures or use restrictions.
Registrants are required to submit data on the effects of pesticides on target
pests (efficacy) as well as non-target effects. Data on non-target effects include
plant effects (phytotoxicity), fish and wildlife hazards (ecotoxicity), impacts on
endangered species, effects on the environment, environmental fate, degradation
byproducts, leachability, and persistence. Requirements that are specific to use in
California are included in many pesticide labels that are approved by U.S. EPA.
8 553 F.3d 927 (6th Cir., 2009).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-7
Use must be reported to the County Agricultural Commissioner where required by
law or by agreement with DPR.
The CWA, at section 301(a), broadly prohibits the discharge of any pollutant to
waters of the United States, except in compliance with an NPDES permit. Since
FIFRA is not necessarily as protective of water quality as the CWA, pesticides
discharged into surface waters may constitute pollutants within the meaning of
the CWA even if the discharge is in compliance with the registration requirements
of FIFRA, thus, requiring coverage under a valid NPDES permit.
DPR and the County Agricultural Commissioners regulate the sale and use of
pesticides in California. Pesticide applications subject to this General Permit
must be consistent with permits issued by County Agricultural Commissioners
and the pesticide label instructions approved by U.S. EPA under FIFRA.
According to federal law, pesticide label language is under the sole jurisdiction of
U.S. EPA. Label language and any changes thereto must be approved by
U.S. EPA before the product can be sold in this country. DPR cannot require
manufacturers to make changes on labels; however, DPR can refuse to register
products unless manufacturers address unmitigated hazards by amending the
pesticide label.
State regulations require that the County Agricultural Commissioners determine if
a substantial adverse environmental impact will result from the proposed use of a
restricted material. If the County Agricultural Commissioner determines that this
is likely, the commissioner may deny the restricted pesticide use permit or may
issue it under the condition that site-specific use practices be followed (beyond
the label and applicable regulations) to mitigate potentially adverse effects. DPR
conducts scientific evaluations of potential health and environmental impacts and
provides commissioners with information in the form of suggested permit
necessary to protect people and the environment. County Agricultural
Commissioners use this information and its evaluation of local conditions to set
site-specific limits in permits.
General Criteria
1. This General Permit serves as a general NPDES Permit for the discharge of
residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides to surface waters as a result of
algaecides and aquatic herbicides applications for algae and aquatic weed
controls.
2. Dischargers who submit a complete application under this General Permit are not
required to submit an individual permit application. Th
Deputy Director of the Division of Water Quality (Deputy Director) may request
additional information or determine that a Discharger is not eligible for coverage
under this General Permit and would be better regulated under an individual
permit or other general NPDES permit adopted by the appropriate Regional
Water Board. If the discharge becomes covered by an individual or another
general permit, the applicability of this General Permit to the specified discharge
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-8
will be immediately terminated on the effective date of the individual permit or
coverage under the other general permit.
II. NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
General Permit Application
To obtain authorization under this General Permit, Dischargers must submit to the
State Water Board a complete application at least 90 days prior to their first
application of the season. This is to allow posting of the Aquatic Pesticide Application
Plan (APAP) for a 30-day comment period, staff to review APAP and respond to
comments, and the Deputy Director to issue the Notice of Applicability (NOA).
Following are the application information requirements:
1. A Notice of Intent (NOI shown as Attachment E) signed in accordance with the
signatory requirements of the Standard Provisions in Attachment B;
2. An application fee. A fee is required only for new Dischargers. Dischargers that
are enrolled under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ and are applying for coverage
under this Permit will be billed during the regular billing cycle; and
3. An APAP.
State Water Board staff will post the APAP on the website for
30 days for public review. In the meantime, the State and Regional Water Board staff
will review the application package for completeness and applicability to this General
Permit. After the application has been deemed complete, the Deputy Director will
issue an NOA. The NOA will specify the permitted active ingredients of algaecides
and aquatic herbicides that may be used, and any Regional Water Board specific
conditions and requirements not stated in this General Permit. Any such region-
specific conditions and requirements shall be enforceable. The Discharger is
authorized to discharge starting on the date of the NOA. If comments are received,
staff will immediately work to resolve them in order to issue an NOA within 90 days of
receipt of the application.
This General Permit specifices an effective date of December 1, 2013. The effective
date is delayed because, with the impending start of the 2013 application season,
Dischargers may be unable to comply with the requirement to submit their
applications 90 days prior to their first pesticide application.The delay will allow
enrollees under Water Quality Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ to have continued permit
coverage throughout the 2013 application season while preparing their new
application for coverage under this General Permit; new enrollees to prepare and
the applications
and issue NOAs.
Alternatively, the Deputy Director may issue a Notice of Exclusion , which either
terminates permit coverage or requires submittal of an application for an individual
permit or alternative general permit.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-9
Fee
The annual fee for enrollment under this General Permit, shall be based on
Category 3 in section 2200(b)(9) of title 23, California Code of Regulations (Cal. Code
Regs.). This category is appropriate because algaecide and aquatic herbicide
applications incorporate BMPs to control potential impacts to beneficial uses, and this
General Permit prohibits pollutant discharge associated with algaecide and aquatic
herbicide applications from causing exceedance of CTR criteria or water quality
objectives. Information concerning the applicable fees can be found at
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/fees/docs/fy1112fee_schdl_npdes_prmt.pdf
Public Notification
The State Water Board has notified interested agencies and persons of its intent to
prescribe waste discharge requirements in this General Permit and provided them
with an opportunity to submit their written comments and recommendations.
III. DISCHARGE DESCRIPTION
This General Permit covers the point source discharge to waters of the United States of
pesticide residues resulting from applications using products containing 2,4-D, acrolein,
copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone, glyphosate, imazamox, imazapyr, penoxsulam,
sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate, and triclopyr-based algaecides and aquatic herbicides,
and adjuvants containing ingredients represented by the surrogate nonylphenol. This
General Permit covers only discharges of algaecides, aquatic herbicides, and adjuvants
that are currently registered for use in California, or that become registered for use and
contain the above-listed active ingredients and ingredients represented by the surrogate of
nonylphenol.
Existing Discharge Description
As of January 11, 2013, there were 153 active enrollees under Water Quality Order
No. 2004-0009-DWQ, Statewide General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Permit for the Discharge of Aquatic Pesticides for Aquatic Weed Control in
Waters of the United States, General Permit No. CAG990005 (Order No. 2004-0009-
DWQ). Most of the enrollees are local public agencies such as cities and irrigation,
flood control, or reclamation districts. The other enrollees include six state of
California agencies: the Departments of Boating and Waterways, Fish and Wildlife,
Food and Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Water Resources; a
federal agency, U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife Service; and a few private
entities such as home owner associations and mobile home park owners.
The State Water Board granted exceptions to public agencies and mutual water
companies that met the criteria stated in section 5.3 of the Policy for short-term or
seasonal exceptions from meeting the receiving water limitations for priority pollutants
of acrolein and copper.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-10
Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ permits the discharge of aquatic pesticides with the
following active ingredients: 2,4-D, acrolein, copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone,
glyphosate, and triclopyr. The State Water Board reopened Order No. 2004-0009-
DWQ after its adoption to add two more active ingredients: (1) imazapyr, a non-
selective herbicide, for control of cordgrass and broadleaf weeds and other emergent
aquatic species; and (2) sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate as an alternative to copper
for algae control.*
Annual Report Review
State Water Board staff reviewed annual reports from 2004 through 2008 9 submitted
under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ. The data are summarized in Table D-1 below. As
shown in Table D-1, all constituent concentrations from post-event application
samples were below receiving water limitations except for the following: three
exceedances each for acrolein and glyphosate and 82 exceedances for copper out of
288 monitoring events. For glyphosate, it is likely that the three exceedances were
not the result of aquatic pesticide applications because the pre-application samples
also showed exceedances and the remaining 151 sampling events showed no
exceedance. For copper, 43 of the 82 exceedances were from public agencies or
mutual water companies that were excepted from meeting priority pollutant limitations
during the exception period. Thus, staff did not consider these exceedances as
violations of the receiving water limitations. However, 39 of the exceedances were
from entities that did not have a Policy exception. Therefore, staff considered these
exceedances as true violations of the receiving water limitations.
Table D-1. Monitoring Data Summary, 2004-2008, Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ
Pollutant Number of
Samples
Number of
Exceedance
2,4-D 3 0
Acrolein 213 3
Copper 288 85
Diquat 17 0
Endothall 6 0
Fluridone 12 0
Glyphosate 154 3
Nonylphenol 53 0
Under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ, the most commonly used aquatic pesticide
products contained copper, acrolein, and glyphosate in descending order.
9 The data are submitted to the Regional Water Boards per Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ. When State Water
Board staff started collecting data from the Regional Water Boards, the data available covered only this period.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-11
Receiving Water Description
The annual reports showed that most algae and aquatic weed control applications
were performed in fresh inland surface waters such as lakes, ponds, flood control and
drainage channels, or canals. Some applications were performed in coastal waters,
marina lagoons, and slough with brackish water.
IV. APPLICABLE PLANS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS
The requirements contained in this General Permit are based on the applicable plans,
policies, and regulations identified below.
Legal Authorities
This General Permit is issued pursuant to section 402 of the federal Clean Water Act
(CWA) and implementing regulations adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) and chapter 5.5, division 7 of the California Water Code,
commencing with section 13370. It shall serve as an NPDES permit for point source
discharges of residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides to surface waters. This
General Permit also serves as WDRs pursuant to article 4, chapter 4, division 7 of the
California Water Code (commencing with §13260).
This General Permit shall serve as a General NPDES permit for point source
discharges of residues from algaecides and aquatic herbicide applications for algae
and aquatic weed control. This General Permit also serves as general Waste
Discharge Requirements pursuant to article 4, chapter 4, and division 7 of the
California Water Code (commencing with §13260).
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Pursuant to California Water Code section 13389, State and Regional Water Boards
are exempt from the requirement to comply with Chapter 3, Division 13 of the Public
Resources Code when adopting NPDES permits.
State and Federal Regulations, Policies, and Plans
1.
The Regional Water Boards have adopted Basin Plans that designate beneficial
uses, establish water quality objectives, and contain implementation programs
and policies to achieve those objectives for all waters addressed through the
plans. In addition, the Basin Plans implement State Water Board Resolution No.
88-63, which established state policy that all waters, with certain exceptions,
should be considered suitable or potentially suitable for municipal or domestic
supply. The Basin Plans identify typical beneficial uses as follows: municipal and
domestic supply, agricultural irrigation, stock watering, process supply, service
supply, hydropower supply, water contact recreation, canoeing and rafting
recreation, other non-contact water recreation,* warm freshwater aquatic habitat,
cold freshwater habitat,* warm fish migration habitat, cold fish migration habitat,
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-12
warm and cold spawning habitat, wildlife habitat, navigation, rare, threatened, or
endangered species habitat, groundwater recharge,* and freshwater
replenishment.
Requirements of this General Permit implement provisions contained in the
applicable Basin Plans.
2.
U.S. EPA adopted the NTR on December 22, 1992, and later amended it on
May 4, 1995 and November 9, 1999. About 40 criteria in the NTR applied in
California. On May 18, 2000, U.S. EPA adopted the CTR. The CTR promulgated
new toxics criteria for California and, in addition, incorporated the previously
adopted NTR criteria that were applicable in the state. The CTR was amended
on February 13, 2001. These rules contain water quality criteria for priority
pollutants.
3.
On March 2, 2000, the State Water Board adopted the Policy for Implementation
of Toxics Standards for Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries of
California (Policy). The Policy became effective on April 28, 2000 with respect to
the priority pollutant criteria promulgated for California by U.S. EPA through the
NTR and to the priority pollutant objectives established by the Regional Water
Board in the Basin Plans. The Policy became effective on May 18, 2000 with
respect to the priority pollutant criteria promulgated by U.S. EPA through the
CTR. The State Water Board adopted amendments to the Policy on February
24, 2005 that became effective on July 13, 2005. The Policy establishes
implementation provisions for priority pollutant criteria and objectives and
provisions for chronic toxicity control. Requirements of this General Permit
implement the Policy.
Policy Exception
The Policy provides categorical exceptions allowing short-term or seasonal
exceptions from meeting the priority pollutant criteria/objectives if it is determined
to be necessary to implement control measures for resource or pest management
conducted by public entities or mutual water companies to fulfill statutory
requirements. The Policy specifically refers to vector or weed control, pest
eradication, or fishery management as the basis for categorical exceptions. The
exceptions are only granted to public entities or mutual water companies that
have adequately provided the following information as required by the Policy:
a. A detailed description of the proposed action which includes the proposed
method of completing the action;
c. A time schedule;
d. A discharge and receiving water monitoring plan that specifies monitoring
prior to application events,* during application events, and after completion
with the appropriate quality control procedures;
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-13
e. CEQA documentation including notifying potentially affected public and
government agencies; and
f. Any necessary contingency plans.
The public entities and mutual water companies listed in Attachment G have met
the above requirements before the issuance or during the term of the Order
No. 2004-0009-DWQ.
The final Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declarations (ND/MND)
prepared by the public entities or mutual water companies have determined that
the water quality impacts identified in the environmental assessments of the
ND/MND from algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications are less than
significant, and would not have a significant effect on the environment. The
boards of each public entity and mutual water company*, as the lead agencies
under CEQA, approved the final ND/MND. Therefore, each public entity or
mutual water company is not required to meet priority pollutant criteria during the
exception period.
During the issuance of the Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ, as required in section
15096 of the CEQA Guidelines, the State Water Board, as a Responsible Agency
under CEQA, considered the ND/MND approved by the board of each public
entity or mutual water company. The State Water Board found that the projects
will have less than significant water quality impact if the Dischargers meet the
requirements in this General Permit. Accordingly, the Policy 5.3 exception
granted previously will continue to be valid under this Order.
Any Discharger not listed in Attachment G is required to meet all applicable
priority pollutant criteria for receiving waters.
4.
Section 131.12 of 40 C.F.R. requires that the state water quality standards
include an antidegradation policy consistent with the federal policy. The State
r Board
Resolution No. 68-16. Resolution No. 68-16 incorporates the federal
antidegradation policy where the federal policy applies under federal law.
Resolution No. 68-16 requires that existing water quality be maintained unless
degradation is justified based on specific findings. The Basin Plans implement,
and incorporate by reference, both the state and federal antidegradation policies.
The permitted discharge must be consistent with the antidegradation provision of
40 C.F.R. section 131.12 and Resolution No. 68-16. The conditions of this
General Permit require residual algaecide and aquatic herbicide discharges to
meet applicable water quality objectives. Specifically, the General Permit sets
receiving water limitations for 2,4-D, acrolein, copper, diquat, endothall, fluridone
glyphosate, and nonylphenol. It also sets receiving water monitoring triggers for
imazapyr and triclopyr triethylamine (TEA).
The BMPs and other controls required pursuant to the General Permit constitute
Best Available Technology Economically Achievable (BAT) and Best Conventional
Pollutant Control Technology (BCT).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-14
The General Permit requirements are protective of the broad range of beneficial
uses set forth in basin plans throughout the state, constituting best control
available consistent with the purposes of the algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application in order to ensure that pollution or nuisance will not occur. The nature
of pesticides is to be toxic in order to protect beneficial uses such as human
health or long-term viability of aquatic life. For example, blue-green algae are
bacteria that live in both fresh and marine waters. In California, certain forms of
blue-green algae have been a particular problem in the Klamath River watershed
and on the Central Coast. Blooms of these bacteria can poison livestock, wildlife,
and humans; they can also damage drinking water sources. The use of an
algaecide is one of the effective ways to control the harmful blooms of blue-green
algae. Although algaecide application will temporarily degrade the water quality
and result in short-term toxicity in the receiving water, it prevents the toxicities in
the entire water body for a long period of time. While surface waters may be
temporarily degraded; water quality standards and objectives will not be
exceeded after project completion.
Another example of benefits of pesticide application is the control of aquatic
weeds in flood control channels. Aquatic herbicides used to control emerging
aquatic weeds in a flood control channel will effectively prevent full growth and
bloom of aquatic weeds that may block the channel and cause flooding in the
surrounding communities. Although the water quality is temporarily degraded
while the herbicide is taking its effect in eliminating the weeds, the water quality
will not be exceeded after the project is completed. In addition, the receiving
water limitations and other requirements of this General Permit will ensure
maintenance of the highest water quality consistent with maximum benefit to the
people of the state.
Given the nature of a General Permit and the broad range of beneficial uses to be
protected across the state, data analysis of specific water bodies is infeasible.
While surface waters may be temporarily degraded, water quality standards and
objectives will not be exceeded. The nature of pesticides is to be toxic in order to
protect human health and water resources. However, compliance with receiving
water limitations is required. Therefore, this General Permit is consistent with
state and federal antidegradation policies.
5.
This General Permit does not authorize any act that results in the taking of a
threatened or endangered species or any act that is now prohibited, or becomes
prohibited in the future, under either the California Endangered Species Act (Fish
and Game Code §2050 et. seq) or the Federal Endangered Species Act (16
U.S.C.A. §1531 et. seq). This General Permit requires compliance with effluent
limitations, receiving water limitations, and other requirements to protect the
beneficial uses of waters of the state. The Discharger is responsible for meeting
all requirements of the applicable Endangered Species Act.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-15
6.
This General Permit does not authorize the discharge of residual algaecides and
aquatic herbicides and their degradation byproducts to waters of the United
States that are impaired by the same active ingredients and their degradation
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/tmdl/integrated2010.shtm .
7.
The State Water Board adopted the Water Quality Control Policy for the Enclosed
Bays and Estuaries of California. The requirements within this General Permit
are consistent with the policy.
V. RATIONALE FOR EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS AND DISCHARGE SPECIFICATIONS
Effluent limitations and toxic and pretreatment effluent standards established pursuant to
sections 301 (Effluent Limitations), 302 (Water Quality Related Effluent Limitations), 304
(Information and Guidelines), and 307 (Toxic and Pretreatment Effluent Standards) of the
CWA and amendments thereto are applicable to the discharge.
The control of pollutants discharged is established through effluent limitations and other
requirements in NPDES permits. There are two principal bases for effluent limitations:
(1) 40 C.F.R. section 122.44(a) requires that permits include applicable technology-based
limitations and standards; and (2) 40 C.F.R. section 122.44(d) requires that permits
include water quality-based effluent limitations to attain and maintain applicable numeric
and narrative water quality criteria to protect the beneficial uses of the receiving water
where numeric water quality objectives have not been established.
The CWA mandates the implementation of effluent limitations that are as stringent as
necessary to meet water quality standards established pursuant to state or federal law
(33 U.S.C., §1311(b)(1)(C); 40 C.F.R. §122.44(d)(1)). NPDES permits must incorporate
discharge limits necessary to ensure that water quality standards are met. This
requirement applies to narrative criteria as well as to numeric criteria specifying maximum
amounts of particular pollutants. Pursuant to 40 C.F.R. section 122.44(d)(1)(i), NPDES
are or may be discharged at a
level which will cause, have the reasonable potential to cause, or contribute to an
excursion above any state water quality standard, including state narrative criteria for
water quality here a state
has not established a water quality criterion for a specific chemical pollutant that is present
in an effluent at a concentration that causes, has the reasonable potential to cause, or
contributes to an excursion above a narrative criterion within an applicable State water
quality standard, the permitting authority must establish effluent limits.
The CWA requires point source dischargers to control the amount of conventional, non-
conventional, and toxic pollutants that are discharged into the waters of the United States.
The control of pollutants discharged is established through effluent limitations and other
requirements in NPDES permits. There are two principal bases for effluent limitations:
40 C.F.R. section 122.44(a) requires that permits include applicable technology-based
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-16
limitations and standards; and section 122.44(d) requires that permits include water
quality-based effluent limitations to attain and maintain applicable numeric and narrative
water quality criteria to protect the beneficial uses of the receiving water where numeric
water quality objectives have not been established.
With respect to narrative objectives, the State Water Board must establish effluent
limitations using one or more of three specified sources: (1) U.S. EPA
quality criteria; (2) a proposed state criterion (i.e., water quality objective) or an explicit
state policy interpreting its narrative water quality criteria; or (3) an indicator parameter
(i.e., 40 C.F.R. §122.44(d)(1)(vi)(A), (B) or (C)). Basin Plans contain a narrative objective
All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations
that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Basin Plans require the application of the most stringent objective necessary to ensure
that surface water and groundwater do not contain chemical constituents, discoloration,
toxic substances, radionuclides, or taste and odor producing substances that adversely
affect beneficial uses. Basin Plans state that material and relevant information, including
numeric criteria, and recommendations from other agencies and scientific literature will be
utilized in evaluating compliance with the narrative toxicity objective. Basin Plans also
limit chemical constituents in concentrations that adversely affect surface water beneficial
uses. Basin Plans further state that, to protect all beneficial uses, the Regional Water
Board may apply limits more stringent than MCLs.
1. The discharge of residual algaecides, residual aquatic herbicides, and their
degradation byproducts in a manner different from that described in this General
Permit is prohibited.
This prohibition is based on 40 C.F.R. California
Water Code section 13260, which requires filing a Report of Waste Discharge
before discharges can occur. Discharges not described in the NOI, and
subsequently not discharged in the manner permitted by this General Permit, are
prohibited.
2. The discharge of residual algaecides, residual aquatic herbicides, and their
degradation byproducts shall not create a nuisance as defined in section 13050
of the California Water Code.
This prohibition is based on California Water Code section 13050 for water quality
control for achieving water quality objectives.
3. The discharge shall not cause, have a reasonable potential to cause, or
contribute to an in-stream excursion above any applicable standard or criterion
promulgated by U.S. EPA pursuant to section 303 of the CWA, or water quality
objective adopted by the State or Regional Water Boards.
This prohibition is based on CWA section 301 and California Water Code.
4. All pesticides are prohibited from the waters of the Lahontan Region (Region 6).
The use of this permit is invalid in the Lahontan Region unless the discharger has
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-17
requested a prohibition exemption from the Lahontan Water Board and the
Lahontan Water Board has granted an exemption for the use of algaecides or
aquatic herbicides.
This prohibition is based on the -wide waste
discharge prohibition for pesticides in water with exemption criteria to allow
certain uses of aquatic pesticides.
Effluent Limitations
1.
The intent of technology-based effluent limitations in NPDES permits is to require
a minimum level of treatment of pollutants based on available treatment
technologies while allowing the Discharger to use any available control technique
to meet the limitations. For industrial and other non-municipal facilities,
technology-based effluent limitations are derived by using: (1) national effluent
limitations guidelines and standards established by U.S. EPA; or best
professional judgment on a case-by-case basis in the absence of national effluent
limitations guidelines and standards. In the case of pesticide applications,
U.S. EPA has not developed guidelines and standards other than the requirement
to follow the labels when applying pesticides. At this point, it is not appropriate to
establish technology-based effluent limitations other than following the label when
applying algaecides and aquatic herbicides.
Therefore, the effluent limitations contained in this General Permit are narrative
and include requirements to develop and implement an APAP that describes
appropriate BMPs, including compliance with all algaecide and aquatic herbicide
label instructions, and to comply with numeric receiving water limitations and
actions required if monitoring triggers are exceeded.
The BMPs required herein constitute BAT and BCT and will be implemented to
minimize the area and duration of impacts caused by the discharge of algaecides
and aquatic herbicides in the treatment area and to allow for restoration of water
quality and protection of beneficial uses of the receiving waters to pre-application
quality following completion of an application event.* In addition, for those
enrollees that have been granted an exception to meeting receiving water
limitations for acrolein and copper, in accordance with the Policy, this General
Permit requires that upon completion of a pesticide application project, the
Discharger shall provide certification by a qualified biologist that the receiving
water beneficial uses have been restored.
The development of BMPs provides the flexibility necessary to establish controls
to minimize the area extent and duration of impacts caused by the discharge of
algaecides and aquatic herbicides. This flexibility allows Dischargers to
implement appropriate BMPs for different types of applications and different types
of waters.
Much of the BMP development has been incorporated into the algaecide and
aquatic herbicide regulation process by U.S. EPA, DPR, and County Agricultural
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-18
Commissioners. The Dischargers must be licensed by DPR if such licensing is
required for the algaecide and aquatic herbicide application project. The
algaecide and aquatic herbicide use must be consistent with the algaecide and
aquatic herbicide label instructions and any Restricted Material Use Permits
issued by County Agricultural Commissioners.
U.S. EPA and DPR scientists review algaecide and aquatic herbicide labels to
ensure that a product used according to label instructions will cause no harm (or
-target organisms that cannot be reduced (or
directions constitute BMPs to protect water quality and beneficial uses. Label
directions may include: precautionary statements regarding toxicity and
environmental hazards; directions for proper handling, dosage, application, and
disposal practices; prohibited activities; spill prevention and response measures;
and restrictions on type of water body and flow conditions.
A Restricted Material Use Permit issued by the County Agricultural Commissioner
incorporates applicable suggested permit conditions from DPR and local site-
specific conditions necessary to protect the environment. State regulations
require that specific types of information be provided in an application to the
County Agricultural Commissioners for a Restricted Material Use Permit. The
County Agricultural Commissioners review the application to ensure that
appropriate alternatives were considered and that any potential adverse effects
are mitigated. The County Agricultural Commissioners also conduct pre-project
inspections on at least five percent of projects.
This General Permit requires that Dischargers use BMPs when implementing
control programs in order to mitigate effects to water quality resulting from
algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications. Dischargers are required to
consider alternative control measures to determine if there are feasible
alternatives to the selected algaecide and aquatic herbicide application project
that could reduce potential water quality impacts. If the Discharger identifies
alternative control measures to the selected algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application project that could reduce potential water quality impacts and that are
also feasible, practicable, and cost-effective, the Discharger shall implement the
identified alternative measures. The selection of control measures that use non-
toxic and less toxic alternatives is an example of an effective BMP.
2.
a.
Section 122.44(d)(1)(i) of 40 C.F.R. mandates that permits include effluent
limitations for all pollutants that are or may be discharged at levels that have
the reasonable potential to cause or contribute to an exceedance of a water
quality standard, including numeric and narrative objectives within a
standard. Where reasonable potential has been established for a pollutant,
but there is no numeric criterion or objective for the pollutant, WQBELs must
be established using: (1) U.S. EPA criteria under CWA section 304(a),
supplemented where necessary by other relevant information; (2) an
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-19
indicator parameter for the pollutant of concern; or (3) a calculated numeric
water quality criterion, such as a proposed state criterion or policy
information, as provided in 40 C.F.R. section 122.44(d)(1)(vi).
The process for determining reasonable potential and calculating WQBELs
when necessary is intended to protect the designated uses of the receiving
water as specified in the Basin Plans, and achieve applicable water quality
objectives and criteria that are contained in other state plans and policies, or
any applicable water quality criteria contained in the CTR and NTR.
Section 122.44(k)(3) of 40 C.F.R. allows the use of other requirements such
as BMPs in lieu of numeric effluent limits if the latter are infeasible. It is
infeasible for the State Water Board to establish numeric effluent limitations
in this General Permit because:
i. The application of algaecides and aquatic herbicides is not necessarily
considered a discharge of pollutants according to the National Cotton
Council of America v. U.S. EPA10 and other applicable case law. The
Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that residual pesticides associated
with the application of pesticides at, over, or near water constitute
pollutants within the meaning of the CWA and that the discharge must
be regulated under an NPDES permit;
ii. This General Permit regulates the discharge of residual algaecides and
aquatic herbicides used for algae and aquatic weed control to waters of
the United States. These are algaecides and herbicides with registration
labels that explicitly allow direct application to water bodies. In
algaecides and aquatic herbicides applications to control pests, any
algaecides and aquatic herbicides residue or degradation byproduct that
is deposited in waters of the United States is a pollutant. However, at
what point the algaecides and aquatic herbicides become a residue is
not precisely known and varies depending on the type of algaecides and
aquatic herbicides, application method and quantity, water chemistry,
etc. Therefore, in the application of algaecides and aquatic herbicides,
the exact effluent is unknown;
iii. It would be impractical to provide effective treatment of the algaecides
and aquatic herbicides residue to protect water quality, given typically,
algaecides and aquatic herbicides applications consist of numerous
short duration intermittent algaecides and aquatic herbicides residue
releases to surface waters from many different locations; and
iv. Treatment may render the algaecides and aquatic herbicides useless for
algae and aquatic weed control.
10 553 F.3d 927 (6th Cir., 2009)
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-20
Therefore, as stated in Technology-Based Effluent Limitations, Section V.B.1
above, the effluent limitations contained in this General Permit are narrative and
include requirements to develop and implement an APAP that describes
appropriate BMPs, including compliance with all algaecides and aquatic
herbicides label instructions, and to comply with narrative receiving water
limitations and triggers.
b.
Algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications for algae and aquatic weed
control may potentially deposit residual algaecides and aquatic herbicides to
surface waters. Beneficial uses of receiving waters are as follows: municipal
and domestic supply, agricultural irrigation, agricultural stock watering,
process water supply, service water supply, and hydropower supply, water
contact recreation, canoeing and rafting recreation, other non-contact water
recreation, warm freshwater aquatic habitat, cold freshwater aquatic habitat,
warm fish migration habitat, cold fish migration habitat, warm and cold
spawning habitat, wildlife habitat, navigation, groundwater recharge, and
freshwater replenishment. Requirements of this General Permit implement
the applicable Basin Plans.
c.
Water quality standards include Regional Water Board Basin Plan beneficial
uses and narrative and numeric water quality objectives, State Water Board-
adopted standards, and federal standards, including the CTR and NTR, as
well as antidegradation policies. The Basin Plans include numeric site-
specific water quality objectives and narrative objectives for toxicity, chemical
constituents, and tastes and odors. The narrative toxicity objective states:
All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that
produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or
aquatic life
Basin Plans state that waters shall not contain chemical constituents in
concentrations that adversely affect benefi water
designated for use as domestic or municipal supply (MUN) shall not contain
concentrations of chemical constituents in excess of the maximum
title 22 of CCR. The narrative tastes and
odors objective states: - or odor-producing
substances in concentrations that impart undesirable tastes or odors to
domestic or municipal water supplies or to fish flesh or other edible products
of aquatic origin, or that cause nuisance, or otherwise adversely affect
beneficial uses.
Federal regulations require effluent limitations for all pollutants that are or
may be discharged at a level that will cause or have the reasonable potential
to cause, or contribute to an in-stream excursion above a narrative or
numerical water quality standard.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-21
d.
The permitted discharge is consistent with the antidegradation provisions of
40 C.F.R. section 131.12 and State Water Board Resolution No. 68-16.
Compliance with these requirements will result in the use of best practicable
treatment or control of the discharge. Due to the low volume of discharge
expected from discharges regulated under this General Permit, the impact on
existing water quality will be insignificant. Dischargers seeking authorization
to discharge under this General Permit are required to demonstrate
compliance with receiving water limitations during the application. If,
however, the appropriate Regional Water Board, subsequent to review of any
application, finds that the impact of a discharge will be significant, then
authorization for coverage under this General Permit will be denied and
coverage under an individual permit will be required (including preparation of
an antidegradation analysis).
VI. RATIONALE FOR RECEIVING WATER LIMITATIONS AND MONITORING TRIGGERS
Groundwater
[Not Applicable]
Surface Water
CWA section 303(a-c), requires states to adopt water quality standards, including
criteria necessary to protect beneficial uses. Regional Water Boards adopted water
quality criteria as water quality objectives in the Basin Plans. The Basin Plans state
he numerical and narrative water quality objectives define the least stringent
standards that the Regional Water Board will apply to regional waters in order to
protect the beneficial uses.
quality objectives for various beneficial uses and water bodies. This General Permit
rrative
water quality objectives for bio-stimulatory substances, chemical constituents, color,
temperature, floating material, settleable substances, suspended material, tastes and
odors, and toxicity. This General Permit also requires compliance with any
amendment or revision to the water quality objectives contained in the Basin Plans
adopted by Regional Water Boards subsequent to adoption of this General Permit.
Once algaecides and aquatic herbicides have been applied to a treatment area, the
algaecide and aquatic herbicide product can actively control pests within the
treatment area. The discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides, their residues,
and their degradation byproducts from the applications to surface water must meet
applicable water quality criteria and objectives. The receiving water limitations ensure
that an application event* does not result in an exceedance of a water quality
standard in the receiving water.
To protect all designated beneficial uses of the receiving water, the most protective
(lowest) and appropriate (to implement the CTR criteria and WQOs in the Basin
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-22
Plans) criteria should be selected as the permit limitation for a particular water body
and constituent. In many cases, water quality standards include narrative, rather than
numerical, water quality objectives. In such cases, numeric water quality limits from
the literature or publicly available information may be used to ascertain compliance
with water quality criteria.
Algaecide and aquatic herbicide formulations c
that yield toxic effects* on target organisms and may also have toxic effects on non-
target organisms. Algaecide and aquatic herbicide active ingredients that do not
contain pollutants for which there are applicable numeric CTR criteria may still have
of algaecides and aquatic herbicides, which are trade secrets and have not been
publicly disclosed, may also contain toxic pollutants or pollutants that could affect
water quality.
DPR is responsible for reviewing toxic effects of product formulations and determining
this General Permit, inert ingredients are also considered on a constituent-by-
constituent basis. U.S. EPA regulates pesticide use through strict labeling
requirements in order to mitigate negative impacts to human health and the
environment, and DPR environmental and medical toxicologists review toxicity data
on formulations and can deny registration or work with registrants or County
Agricultural Commissioners to impose additional requirements in order to protect
human health or the environment.
U.S. EPA and DPR require that pesticides undergo toxicity testing and meet specific
toxicity requirements before registering the pesticide for application to surface waters.
U.S. EPA has found that the application of properly registered pesticides pose a
minimal threat to people and the environment. In addition, the effects of these
pesticides on water quality will be mitigated through compliance with FIFRA label
requirements, application of BMPs, and monitoring.
Basin Plan water quality objectives to protect the beneficial uses of surface water and
groundwater include numeric objectives and narrative objectives, including objectives
for chemical constituents, toxicity, and tastes and odors. The toxicity objective
requires that surface water and groundwater be maintained free of toxic substances in
concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in humans, plants,
animals, or aquatic life. The chemical constituent objective requires that surface
water and groundwater shall not contain chemical constituents in concentrations that
adversely affect any beneficial use or that exceed the MCLs set forth in title 22, Cal.
Code Regs. The tastes and odors objective states that surface water and
groundwater shall not contain taste- or odor-producing substances in concentrations
that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses. The Basin Plans require the
application of the most stringent objective necessary to ensure that surface water and
groundwater do not contain chemical constituents, toxic substances, radionuclides, or
taste and odor producing substances in concentrations that adversely affect domestic
drinking water supply, agricultural supply, or any other beneficial use.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-23
1.
The instantaneous maximum receiving water limitations are based on
promulgated water quality criteria such as those provided in the CTR, water
quality objectives adopted by the State and Regional Water Boards in their Basin
Plans, water quality criteria adopted by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, water quality standards such as drinking water standards adopted by
U.S. EPA or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), or U.S. EPA
National Recommended Ambient Water Quality Criteria.
This General Permit provides receiving water limitations based on the lowest
water quality criteria/objectives to protect all designated beneficial uses of the
receiving water. The receiving water limitations in this General Permit are the
same as those in Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ. The rationale for each limitation is
summarized below.
Table D-2. Summary of Receiving Water Limitations
Constituent/
Parameter
BENEFICIAL USE1
Basis MUN,
µg/L
WARM or
COLD,
µg/L
Other than
MUN, WARM,
or COLD, µg/L
All Designations
2,4,-D 70 U.S. EPA MCL
Acrolein2 320 21 780
U.S. EPA Water
Quality Criteria,
1986.
Copper2
Dissolved Freshwater3
Copper Chronic = 0.960exp{0.8545
[ln(hardness4)] 1.702} 5, 6
Dissolved saltwater3
Copper Chronic = 0.83exp{0.8545
[ln(hardness4)] 1.702} 5,6
California Toxics
Rule
Diquat 20 U.S. EPA MCL
Endothall 100 U.S. EPA MCL
Fluridone 560
U.S. EPA
Integrated Risk
Information
System
Glyphosate 700 U.S. EPA MCL
Nonylphenol
Freshwater Chronic Criterion =
6.6 µg/L
Saltwater Chronic Criterion =
1.7 µg/L
U.S. EPA National
Recommended
Ambient Water
Quality Criteria
Toxicity Algaecide and aquatic herbicide applications shall not cause or contribute to
toxicity in receiving water(s).
Regional Water
in
Plans
Notes
1. Plans (Basin Plans) for beneficial use definitions.
2. Public entities and mutual water companies listed in Attachment G are not required to meet this receiving
water limitation during the exception period described in Section VIII.C.10, Limitations and Discharge
Requirements, Aquatic Pesticides Application Plan (APAP).
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-24
3. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95% or more of the time, the
freshwater criteria apply. For waters in which the salinity is equal to or greater than 10 parts per thousand
95% or more of the time, saltwater criteria apply. For waters in which the salinity is between 1 and 10
parts per thousand, the applicable criteria are the more stringent of the freshwater or saltwater criteria.
4. For freshwater aquatic life criteria, waters with a hardness 400 mg/L or less as calcium carbonate, the
actual ambient hardness of surface water shall be used. For waters with a hardness of over 400 mg/L as
calcium carbonate, a hardness of 400 mg/L as calcium carbonate shall be used with a default Water-
Effect Ratio of 1.
5. Values should be rounded to two significant figures.
6. This limitation does not apply to the Sacramento River and its tributaries above the State Highway 32
Bridge at Hamilton City. See Table III-1 of the Basin Plan for the Sacramento and San Joaquin River
Basins for copper limitation.
The copper limitation in Order No. 2004-0009-
Criteria Continuous Concentration (CCC) expressed in total recoverable
concentration. This General Permit also uses CCC from the CTR as the basis of
the copper limitations; however, the copper limitation is now expressed in
dissolved concentration. Since the copper criterion in the CTR is expressed in
dissolved concentration, the receiving water limitation must also be expressed in
dissolved rather than total concentration since it is the dissolved portion of copper
that is bioavailable to aquatic life.
Based on Policy section 5.3, this General Permit grants public entities and mutual
water companies listed in Attachment G a short-term or seasonal exception from
meeting receiving water limitations for acrolein and copper during treatment. As
a condition of the exception, this General Permit requires Dischargers to provide
the length and justification of required exception periods in their APAPs. There is
no discrete definition for short-term; but the intent is to allow the exception to
apply during the treatment period. It is up to the Discharger to make this
demonstration.
The receiving water dissolved oxygen limitation is based on the Regional Water
dissolved oxygen objectives.
2.
In algaecide or aquatic herbicide applications, it is reasonable to conclude that
some residual algaecides or aquatic herbicides will remain in the receiving
waters. These residual algaecides or aquatic herbicides may cause toxicity to
aquatic life. However, information regarding the specific amount of algaecide or
aquatic herbicide residues (described below) in the receiving water as a result of
direct applications for weed control is not adequate to develop receiving water
limitations for these algaecides and aquatic herbicides. Therefore, this General
Permit only contains Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers and/or monitoring
requirements for these algaecides or aquatic herbicides. The monitoring triggers
and monitoring data will be used to assess whether the discharges of these
algaecide or aquatic herbicide residues have the reasonable potential to cause or
contribute to an excursion of a water quality standard, including numeric and
narrative objectives within a standard.
In the absence of adopted criteria, objectives, or standards, the State Water
Board used U.S. EPA's Ambient Criteria for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-25
Life (Ambient Water Quality Criteria) which are directly applicable as a regulatory
level to implement narrative toxicity limitations included in all Regional Water
Board Basin Plans. Where adopted criteria, objectives, standards, or Ambient
Water Quality Criteria are unavailable, the State Water Board used data from
U.S. EPA Ecotoxicity Database to develop the Receiving Water Monitoring
Triggers to protect all beneficial uses of the receiving water.
For constituents that do not have Ambient Water Quality Criteria, the
Instantaneous Maximum Receiving Water Monitoring Trigger is based on one-
tenth of the lowest 50 Percent Lethal Concentration (LC50) from U.S. EPA
Ecotoxicity Database. Using one-tenth of the lowest LC50 as the receiving water
Basin Plan approach when developing the Daily Maximum Limitation for
algaecides or aquatic herbicides that do not have water quality criteria.
This General Permit may be re-opened to add receiving water limitations to the
algaecides or aquatic herbicides listed below if the monitoring triggers are
exceeded or the monitoring data indicate re-opening of the permit is appropriate.
The following is a detailed discussion of toxicity data, applicable water quality
criteria, and Receiving Water Monitoring Triggers, if applicable, for these
algaecide or aquatic herbicide:
a. Imazamox
Imazamox is a derivative of the active ingredient, ammonium salt of
imazamox for the aquatic herbicide Clearcast, which DPR registered for use
in California in October 2012. It is labeled for application to for the
control of submerged aquatic plants species and some emergent and floating
species.
Imazamox is an herbicide that inhibits an enzyme in aquatic plants that is
essential for the synthesis of three-branched chain amino acids.
Staff obtained toxicity data for imazamox from U.S. EPA Ecotoxicity
Database to assess its toxicity to freshwater aquatic life. However,
U.S. EPA Ecotoxicity Database contains toxicity data only for imazamox,
but not for its salt. Table D-3 summarizes the toxicity data for imazamox
below.
Table D-3. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazamox (CAS# 114311-32-9)
Type of Organism Study Length Study Date LC50 (mg/L)
Mysid 96 h 1998 > 100
1998 > 94.3
Bluegill sunfish 96 h 1994 > 119
Rainbow trout 96 h 1994 > 122
Sheephead mino 96 h 1998 > 94.2
1998 > 94.2
Lowest LC50/10 > 9.4 mg/L
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-26
Ambient Water Quality Criteria are unavailable for imazamox and imazamox
salt. Table D-3 shows that one-tenth of the lowest LC50 to protect the most
sensitive freshwater aquatic life for imazamox is greater than 9.4 mg/l.
Due to the absence of water quality criteria for imazamox and its low toxicity
Ecotoxicity Database, this General
Permit does not have a receiving water monitoring trigger for imazamox.
However, this General Permit requires receiving water monitoring for
imazamox to collect data, which will provide information on whether the use
of imazamox has water quality impacts.
b. Imazapyr
The active ingredient imazapyr is marketed by the trade names Arsenal,
Chopper, and Assault. Upon contact, imazapyr can interfere with DNA
synthesis and cell growth of the plants. The target weed species are
grasses, broad-leaves, vines, brambles, shrubs and trees, and riparian and
emerged aquatics. The result of exposure is death of new leaves. It was
first registered in the United States in 1984.
Imazapyr is a slow-acting amino acid synthesis inhibitor. It has an average
water half-life* of four days with photodegradation as the primary form of
degradation in water. Imazapyr acts more quickly and is less toxic than other
low-volume herbicides. According to the San Francisco Estuary* Invasive
ed Use of Imazapyr Herbicide to
Control Invasive Cordgrass (Spartina spp.) in the San Francisco Estuary ,
imazapyr in water rapidly degrades via photolysis. The report further states
that a number of field studies demonstrated that imazapyr rapidly dissipated
from water within several days, and no detectable residues of imazapyr were
found in either water or sediment within two months; in estuarine systems,
dilution of imazapyr with the incoming tides contributes to its rapid
dissipation, suggesting that imazapyr is not environmentally persistent in the
estuarine environment and does not result in significant impacts to water
quality. The report concludes that imazapyr herbicides can be a safe, highly
effective treatment for control and eradication of non-native Spartina species
in the San Francisco Estuary and offers an improved risk scenario over the
existing treatment regime with glyphosate herbicides. On August 30, 2005,
DPR registered imazapyr for aquatic application as an aquatic herbicide.
Toxicity data for imazapyr were obtained from U.S. EPA Ecotoxicity
Database to assess the toxicity of imazapyr to freshwater aquatic life. Tables
D-4 and D-5 summarize the toxicity data for imazapyr and imazapyr salt.
Table D-4. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazapyr (CAS#81334-34-1)
Type of Organism Study Length Study Date LC50 (mg/L)
Pink shrimp 96 h 1988 > 189
Atlantic silverside 96 h 1988 > 184
Bluegill sunfish 96 h 1983 > 100
1983 > 100
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-27
Type of Organism Study Length Study Date LC50 (mg/L)
Channel catfish 96 h 1983 > 100
Rainbow trout 96 h 1983 > 100
1995 > 110
Lowest LC50/10 > 10
Table D-5. Toxicity Data Summary for Imazapyr Isopropylamine Salt
(CAS#81510-83-0)
Type of
Organism Study Length Study Date LC50 (mg/L)
Water flea 48 h 1984 350
Rainbow trout 96 h 1984 112
Bluegill sunfish 96 h 1984 > 1000
Lowest LC50/10 = 11.2
Ambient Water Quality Criteria are unavailable for imazapyr and imazapyr
salt. Tables D-4 and D-5 show that the lowest one-tenth of LC50 to protect
the most sensitive freshwater aquatic life for imazapyr is 11.2 mg/l.
Due to its safe use in the environment and low toxicity to aquatic life as
indicated in Ecotoxicity Database, this General Permit does not
have a receiving water limitation for imazapyr. However, this General Permit
contains a monitoring trigger of 11.2 mg/l based on one-tenth of the lowest
LC50 from Ecotoxicity Database and requires receiving water
monitoring to collect data, which will provide information on whether
imazapyr has water quality impacts.
c. Penoxsulam
Penoxsulam is the active ingredient for Galleon SC, a selective systemic
aquatic herbicide for management of freshwater aquatic vegetation in ponds,
lakes, reservoirs, marshes, wetlands, non-irrigation canals, slow-moving
water bodies, etc. Penoxsulam is a post-emergence acetolactate synthase
(ALS) inhibitor developed by Dow AgroSciences to be used as a foliar spray
on dry-seeded rice crops. The mode of action is to inhibit the acetolactate
synthases enzyme in the target weed.
The U.S. EPA Pesticide Fact Sheet states that penoxsulam is expected to be
very mobile, but not very persistent, in either aqueous or terrestrial
environments. Penoxsulam exists almost exclusively in a disassociated state
at pH values normally found in rice paddy water (averaging about eight), but
not in terrestrial environments where lower pH values may be found.
Penoxsulam degrades by two different transformation mechanisms,
producing 13 different identified transformation products, 11 of which meet
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-28
the criteria to be classified as major degradation byproducts,11 six of which
reached peak concentrations at study termination, indicating a greater
degree of persistence than penoxsulam and a potential to reach
concentrations even greater than those reported at study termination. The
results of the screening-level risk assessment suggest that penoxsulam will
not pose a threat to aquatic or terrestrial animals, however, this conclusion
must be tempered by the fact that testing has not been conducted on several
major degradation byproducts.
Toxicity data for penoxsulam were obtained from Ecotoxicity
Database to assess the toxicity of penoxsulam to freshwater aquatic life.
Table D-6 summarizes the toxicity data for penoxsulam.
Table D-6. Toxicity Data Summary for Penoxsulam (CAS#219714-96-2)
Type of Organism Study
Length
Study
Date
LC50
(mg/L)
Bluegill sunfish 96 h 2000 > 103
Common carp fish 96 h 2001 >101
Mysid 96 h 2000 > 114
Rainbow trout 96 h 2002 > 147
2000 > 102
Scud 96 h 2000 > 126
Lowest LC50/10 > 10.1
Ambient Water Quality Criteria are unavailable for penoxsulam. Table D-6
shows that the lowest one-tenth of LC50 to protect the most sensitive
freshwater aquatic life for penoxsulam is greater than 10.1 mg/l.
Due to its safe use in the environment, low toxicity to aquatic life as indicated
in Ecotoxicity Database, and lack of accurate toxicity value, this
General Permit does not have a receiving water monitoring trigger.
However, this General Permit requires receiving water monitoring to collect
data, which will provide information on whether penoxsulam has water quality
impacts.
d. Sodium Carbonate Peroxyhydrate
Sodium carbonate hydroxyhydrate has been registered as an algaecide
since early 2006. The most common brand names are PAK 27, Phycomycin,
and Green Clean. It is an alternative to traditional copper based algaecides.
It acts as an oxidizing agent and thus kills the target algae. When it is
11 U.S. EPA defines major degradation byproducts to be BSA, 2-amino-TP, TPSA, BSTCA methyl, BSTCA, 2-
amino-TCA,5-OH-penoxsulam, SFA, sulfonamide, 5,8-di-OH and 5-OH, 2 aminoTP.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-29
applied into water, the compound quickly breaks down into hydrogen
peroxide (H2O2) and sodium carbonate. The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes and
thus kills the target pests. After contact, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down
into water and oxygen.
U.S. EPA has waived toxicity testing for freshwater fish and invertebrate
during the registration process. According to the U.S. EPA fact sheet, when
the pesticide is applied in accordance with directions on the label, no harm is
expected to freshwater fish or freshwater invertebrates.
There are no toxicity data for sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate in
Ecotoxicity Database. Therefore, this General Permit does not have a
monitoring trigger or a monitoring requirement for sodium carbonate
peroxyhydrate.
e. Triclopyr Triethylamine (TEA) Salt
Triclopyr TEA is a systemic herbicide used to control broad-leaf weeds and
woody plants.
U.S. EPA concluded in its re-registration document that triclopyr TEA is
practically non-toxic to freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrates on an acute
basis and triclopyr TEA is slightly toxic to practically non-toxic to
estuarine/marine fish and invertebrates on an acute basis.
Triclopyr produces the metabolite or degradate 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol
(TCP). Based on its analysis, U.S. EPA concludes that the existing uses of
triclopyr are unlikely to result in acute or chronic dietary risks from TCP.
Based on limited available data and modeling estimates, with less certainty,
the U.S. EPA concluded that existing uses of triclopyr are unlikely to result in
acute or chronic drinking water risks from TCP.
Toxicity data for triclopyr TEA were obtained from U.S. Ecotoxicity
Database to assess the toxicity of triclopyr TEA to freshwater aquatic life.
Table D-7 summarizes the toxicity data for Triclopyr TEA.
Table D-7. Toxicity Data Summary for Triclopyr TEA Salt
(CAS#57213-69-1)
Type of
Organism
Study
Length
Study
Date
LC50
(mg/L)
Bluegill sunfish 96 h 1978 891
96 h 1973 471
Fathead
minnow
96 h 1978 947
96 h 1983 546
96 h 1983 279
Grass shrimp 96 h 1992 326
Inland
Silverside fish 96 h 1989 130
Pink shrimp 96 h 1975 895
Rainbow trout 96 h 1973 240
96 h 1978 552
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-30
Type of
Organism
Study
Length
Study
Date
LC50
(mg/L)
Lowest LC50/10 = 13.0
Ambient Water Quality Criteria are unavailable for triclopyr TEA. Table D-7
shows that the lowest one-tenth of LC50 to protect the most sensitive
freshwater aquatic life for triclopyr TEA is 13 mg/l.
Due to its safe use in the environment and low toxicity to aquatic life as
indicated in Ecotoxicity Database, this General Permit does not
have a receiving water limitation for triclopyr TEA. However, this General
Permit contains a monitoring trigger of 13.0 mg/l based on one-tenth of the
lowest LC50 from Ecotoxicity Database and requires receiving
water monitoring to collect data, which will provide information on whether
triclopyr TEA has water quality impacts.
VII. RATIONALE FOR MONITORING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
MRP Goals
Section 122.48 of 40 C.F.R. requires that all NPDES permits specify requirements for
recording and reporting monitoring results. Water Code sections 13267 and 13383
authorize the State and Regional Water Boards to require technical and monitoring
reports. The Monitoring and Reporting Program (MRP) in Attachment C of this
General Permit establishes monitoring and reporting requirements to implement
federal and state requirements.
The goals of the MRP are to:
1. Identify and characterize algaecide or aquatic herbicide application projects
conducted by the Discharger;
2. Determine compliance with the receiving water limitations and other requirements
specified in this General Permit;
3. Measure and improve the effectiveness of the APAP;
4. Support the development, implementation, and effectiveness of BMPs;
5. Assess the chemical, physical, and biological impacts on receiving waters
resulting from algaecide or aquatic herbicide applications;
6. Assess the overall health and evaluate long-term trends in receiving water
quality;
7. Demonstrate that water quality of the receiving waters following completion of
resource or weed management projects are equivalent to pre-application
conditions; and
8. Ensure that projects that are monitored are representative of all algaecide or
aquatic herbicide and application methods used by the Discharger.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-31
The MRP in the Attachment C of this General Permit is considered as baseline
monitoring requirements. Monitoring plans proposed by Dischargers in their APAP
must meet the minimum requirements prescribed in the MRP. Public entities and
mutual water companies that have a Policy section 5.3 exception should comply with
the MRP in this General Permit as well as monitoring plan proposed in their CEQA
document where the two plans differ.
Effluent Monitoring
Pursuant to the requirements of 40 C.F.R. section 122.44(i), effluent monitoring is
required for all constituents with effluent limitations. Effluent monitoring is necessary
to assess compliance with effluent limitations, assess the effectiveness of the
treatment process, and assess the impacts of the discharge on the receiving water
and groundwater.
The application of pesticides for pest control is not necessarily considered a discharge
of pollutants according to the National Cotton Council of America v. U.S. EPA
decision and other applicable case law. The regulated discharge is the discharge of
residual pesticides. At what point the pesticide becomes a residue is not precisely
known. Therefore, in the application of pesticides, the exact effluent is unknown.
Thus, the effluent monitoring requirement is not applicable for algaecide or aquatic
herbicide applications.
Toxicity Testing Requirements
The State Water Board, pursuant to the Porter-Cologne Act and the federal CWA,
customarily requires the Discharger to conduct toxicity monitoring. In fact, both Acts
anticipate Discharger self monitoring. However, this General Permit does not require
toxicity testing based on the 2004 toxicity study funded by the State Water Board and
data collected from 2004 to 2008. The toxicity study found the following: (1) There
was no toxicity with the use of 2,4-D, glyphosate, and triclopyr; (2) Toxicity testing was
difficult for acrolein due to its volatility; (3) Results were inconclusive for diquat and
fluridone; and (4) Peak copper concentrations did not exceed toxicity values. The
monitoring data collected under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ from 2004 to 2008
showed that all constituent concentrations from post-event application samples were
below receiving water limitations except for the following: three exceedances each for
acrolein and glyphosate and 82 exceedances for copper out of 288 monitoring events.
For glyphosate, it is likely that the three exceedances were not the result of aquatic
herbicide applications because the pre-application samples also showed
exceedances and the remaining 151 samples showed no exceedance. For copper,
43 of the 82 exceedances were from public agencies or mutual water companies that
were excepted from meeting priority pollutant limitations during the exception period.
The Policy allows the exception. Thus, staff did not consider these exceedances as
violations of the receiving water limitations. However, 39 of the exceedances were
from entities that did not have a Policy exception. Although staff considered these
exceedances as true violations of the receiving water limitations, staff is not aware of
any long-term impacts from these exceedances. Long-term impacts from
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-32
exceedances are likely not going to occur for the following reasons: (1) water quality
criteria, which are used directly as receiving water limitations in this General Permit,
have built-in factors of safety; (2) as shown in the 2004 toxicity study, the actual peak
concentrations after applications of copper did not exceed toxicity values; and (3) the
applications are short-term in duration. All of the foregoing information indicates that
widespread acute ecosystem impacts will not occur from algaecide or aquatic
herbicides applied according to their label instructions and requirements of this
General Permit. Therefore, toxicity monitoring requirements are not necessary.
Receiving Water Monitoring
Receiving water monitoring is necessary to determine the impacts of the discharge on
the receiving stream.
All forms of testing have some degree of uncertainty associated with them. The more
limited the amount of test data available, the larger the uncertainty. The intent of this
General Permit's sampling program is to select a number that will detect most events
of noncompliance without requiring needless or burdensome monitoring.
Staff also used EPA's Technical Support Document for Water Quality-Based Toxics
Control (TSD) to determine the appropriate number of samples that would be needed
to characterize the impacts of the residual pesticide discharge from pesticide
applications. Page 53 of the TSD recommends using a coefficient of variation (CV)
0.6 when the data set contains less than 10 samples. Table 3-1 of the TSD shows
that with a CV of 0.6, the multiplying factors used to determine whether a discharge
causes, has the reasonable potential to cause, or contributes to an excursion above a
state water quality standard begin to stabilize when the sample number is six. Thus,
this General Permit requires six samples per year for each active ingredient in each
environmental setting (flowing water and non-flowing water) to characterize the effects
of residual pesticide discharge from pesticide applications. However, after a
Discharger or Coalition has provided results from six consecutive sampling events
showing concentrations that are less than the receiving water limitation/trigger for an
active ingredient in a specific environmental setting, sampling shall be reduced to one
application event per year for that active ingredient in that environmental setting.
Similarly, this General Permit contains a reduced monitoring frequency of once per
year (instead of six) at each environmental setting for glyphosate. The reduced
that showed no exceedance of the permit limitation for glyphosate under Order
No. 2004-0009-DWQ.
VIII.RATIONALE FOR AQUATIC PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS
Application Schedule
The Discharger shall provide a phone number or other specific contact information for
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-33
Application Notification Requirements
The Policy section 5.3, Categorical Exception, requires public agencies and mutual
water companies that have been granted the short-term or seasonal exception for
compliance with priority pollutant limitations to notify potentially affected public and
government agencies of algaecide or aquatic herbicide application.
APAP
This General Permit contains narrative effluent limitations, which include
implementing BMPs described in the APAP, which is a requirement of this General
Permit. See Section VI, Rationale for Effluent Limitations and Discharge
Specifications, for more detailed explanation of the need for an APAP.
APAP Processing, Approval, and Modifications
Upon receipt of a new or an amended APAP, staff will post it on the State Water
website. Major changes to the APAP shall be submitted to the Deputy
Director for approval. Examples of major changes include using a different product
other than what is specified in the APAP, changing an application method that may
result in different amounts of algaecide or aquatic herbicides being applied, or adding
or deleting BMPs. Since the APAP shall include ALL (1) the water bodies or water
body systems in which algaecide or aquatic herbicides are being planned to be
applied or may be applied to control algae and aquatic weeds and (2) the application
areas and the target areas in the system that are being planned to be applied or may
be applied, changes in monitoring locations are not considered major changes.
However, these changes need to be reported in the annual report.
In preparing for the reissuance of the General Permit, staff will evaluate review
periods and comments received during the life of this permit and look for efficiencies.
Based on this information, staff will propose revisions to the public comment process
for APAPs.
Aquatic Pesticide Application Log
An application log to record all algaecide or aquatic herbicide applications is
investigate any exceedance of receiving water limitations or receiving water
monitoring triggers.
IX. RATIONALE FOR PROVISIONS
Standard Provisions
1.
Standard Provisions, which apply to all NPDES permits in accordance with
40 C.F.R. section 122.41, and additional conditions applicable to specified
categories of permits in accordance with 40 C.F.R. section 122.42, are provided
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-34
in Attachment B. The Discharger must comply with applicable standard
provisions and with those additional conditions that are applicable under
40 C.F.R. section 122.42.
Sections 122.41(a)(1) and (b) through (n) of 40 C.F.R. establish conditions that
apply to all state-issued NPDES permits. These conditions must be incorporated
into the permits either expressly or by reference. If incorporated by reference, a
specific citation to the regulations must be included in the General Permit.
Section 123.25(a)(12) of 40 C.F.R. allows the state to omit or modify conditions to
impose more stringent requirements. In accordance with 40 C.F.R.
Section 123.25, this General Permit omits federal conditions that address
enforcement authority specified in 40 C.F.R. section 122.41(j)(5) and (k)(2)
because the enforcement authority under the California Water Code is more
stringent. In lieu of these conditions, this General Permit incorporates by
reference California Water Code section 13387(e).
2.
Impaired water bodies are water quality limited segments listed under CWA
303(d) listings. The water bodies on these lists do not meet water quality
standards, even if the discharge itself meets water quality standards. The Basin
Additional treatment beyond minimum federal standards will be
imposed on dischargers to Water Quality Limit Segments. Dischargers will be
assigned or allocated a maximum allowable load of critical pollutants so that
water quality objectives can be met in the segment.
Discharger and receiving water specific. It is infeasible to assign a uniform load
in a statewide general permit. Therefore, this General Permit does not authorize
the discharge of active ingredients of algaecides or aquatic herbicides, their
residues, and their degradation byproducts to water bodies that are already
impaired due to the same product active ingredients, their residues, and their
degradation byproducts.
Special Provisions
1.
The reopener provisions allow future modification to this General Permit in
accordance with 40 C.F.R. section 122.62.
a. Addition to Policy Exception List in Attachment G
This General Permit may be reopened to add a public entity or a mutual
water company which may not otherwise meet the receiving water limitations
for acrolein and copper and meets the requirements for an exception from
meeting those limitations, consistent with section 5.3 of the Policy.
b. Addition of Aquatic Pesticide Active Ingredients
This General Permit may be reopened to add newly registered algaecide or
aquatic herbicide active ingredients so that Dischargers can be covered by
this General Permit when they apply the algaecide or aquatic herbicide
products with the new active ingredients.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-35
c. Acute and Chronic Toxicity
When the State Water Board revises the Policy
that would require the establishment of numeric chronic toxicity limitations or
other actions, this General Permit may be reopened to comply with those
requirements.
d. Receiving Water Limitations
If monitoring data for residual pesticides show exceedance of monitoring
triggers, the Discharger or Coalition shall conduct additional investigations to
determine the cause of exceedance. At a minimum, the Discharger or
Coalition shall evaluate its application methods, BMPs, and the
appropriateness of using alternative products. As a result of the evaluation,
this General Permit may be re-opened to add numeric Receiving Water
Limitations for the residual pesticides exceeding the triggers.
e. Endangered Species Act
If U.S. EPA develops biological opinions regarding pesticides included in this
General Permit, this General Permit may be re-opened to add or modify
Receiving Water Limitations/Monitoring Triggers for residual pesticides of
concern, if necessary.
2.
a. Additional Investigation
This General Permit requires Dischargers to conduct additional investigations
if the monitoring results exceed the receiving water monitoring limitations.
These investigations are necessary in order to address the exceedance
caused by the algaecide or aquatic herbicide application and meet the
narrative water quality objective of no toxics in toxic amount.
b. Qualified Biologist Certification Following Project Completion
The requirement is retained from Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ and is based
on Policy section 5.3 exception.
3.
When receiving water limitations or triggers are exceeded, Dischargers are
expected to assess the cause of exceedance and take appropriate actions as
necessary to prevent recurrence of the problem.
X. COMPLIANCE DETERMINATION
This General Permit specifies that compliance be based on event and post-event sampling
results. The event sample results will determine if exceedance occurred outside the
Treatment Area* during treatment. Post-event samples will determine if exceedance
occurred in the Application or Treatment Area after treatment. Since the minimum effective
concentration and time needed to effectively kill or control target weeds or algae vary due
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-36
to site specific conditions, such as flow, target species, water chemistry, and type of
algaecides or aquatic herbicides, this General Permit allows Dischargers to determine
when treatment is completed.
XI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The State Water Board is considering the issuance of WDRs that will serve as a general
NPDES permit for algaecide or aquatic herbicide applications. As a step in the WDR
adoption process, the State Water Board staff has developed tentative WDRs. The State
Water Board encourages public participation in the WDR adoption process.
Notification of Interested Parties
The State Water Board has notified interested agencies, parties, and persons of its
intent to prescribe general WDRs for algaecide or aquatic herbicide applications and
has provided them with an opportunity to submit their written comments and
recommendations. Notification was provided to interested parties through specific
mailings and publication in major newspapers throughout California. The State Water
Board, in a public meeting, heard and considered all comments pertaining to
discharges to be regulated by this General Permit. Details of the Public Hearing are
provided in the Fact Sheet of this General Permit.
Written Comments
Interested persons were invited to submit written comments concerning this tentative
WDR. Comments were due at the State Water Board offices by 12:00 noon on
August 21, 2012. Seven comment letters were received.
Public Hearing and Meeting
The State Water Board held a public hearing on the tentative WDRs during its regular
Board meeting on August 7, 2012. The State Water Board will consider adoption of
the WDRs at a public meeting on the following date, time, and location:
Date: February 19, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: State Water Resources Control Board
1001 I Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Interested persons are invited to attend. At the public meeting, the State Water Board
will hear comments, if any, limited to changes on the draft General Permit.
Please be aware that dates and venues may change.
website address is www.waterboards.ca.gov where you can access the current
agenda for changes in dates and locations.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT D FACT SHEET D-37
Information and Copying
The tentative effluent limitations, receiving water limitations, and special provisions,
comments received, and other information are on file and may be inspected at the
address above at any time between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Copying of documents may be arranged through the State Water Board by calling
(916) 379-9152.
Register of Interested Persons
Any person interested in being placed on the mailing list for information regarding this
general WDR and NPDES permit should contact the State Water Board, reference the
general WDR and NPDES permit, and provide a name, address, and phone number.
Additional Information
Requests for additional information or questions regarding this General Permit should
be directed to NPDES_Wastewater@waterboards.ca.gov.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-1
Attachment E Notice of Intent
I. NOTICE OF INTENT STATUS (see Instructions)
II. DISCHARGER INFORMATION
III. BILLING ADDRESS (Enter Information only if different from Section II above)
Mark only one item A. New Applicator B. Change of Information: WDID# ______________________
C. Change of ownership or responsibility: WDID# ____________________________
A. Name
B. Mailing Address
C. City D. County E. State F. Zip
G. Contact Person H. E-mail address I. Title J. Phone
A. Name
B. Mailing Address
C. City D. County E. State F. Zip
G. E-mail address H. Title I. Phone
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-2
IV. RECEIVING WATER INFORMATION
A. Algaecide and aquatic herbicides are used to treat (check all that apply):
1. Canals, ditches, or other constructed conveyance facilities owned and controlled by Discharger.
Name of the conveyance system: ________________________________________________
2. Canals, ditches, or other constructed conveyance facilities owned and controlled by an entity other
than the Discharger.
Name of the conveyance system: _________________________________________________
3. Directly to river, lake, creek, stream, bay, ocean, etc.
Name of water body: ___________________________________________________________
B. Regional Water Quality Control Board(s) where treatment areas are located
(REGION 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9): Region ______________________________________________
(List all regions where algaecide and aquatic herbicide application is proposed.)
V. ALGAECIDE AND AQUATIC HERBICIDE APPLICATION INFORMATION
A. Target Organisms: ____
B. Algaecide and Aquatic Herbicide Used: List Name and Active ingredients
C. Period of Application: Start Date________________________ End Date_______________________
D. Types of Adjuvants Used:
VI. AQUATIC PESTICIDE APPLICATION PLAN
Has an Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan been prepared and is the applicator familiar with its contents?
Yes No
If not, when will it be prepared? ____________________
VII. NOTIFICATION
Have potentially affected public and governmental agencies been notified? Yes No
VIII. FEE
Have you included payment of the filing fee (for first-time enrollees only) with this submittal?
YES NO NA
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-3
IX. CERTIFICATION
all attachments were prepared under my direction and supervision
in accordance with a system designed to ensure that qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information
submitted. Based on my inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly
responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, true,
accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant penalties for submitting false information, including the
possibility of fine or imprisonment. Additionally, I certify that the provisions of the General Permit, including developing
and implementing a monitoring program, will be complied with.
A. Printed Name: ___________________________________
B. Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________________
C. Title: __________________________________________
XI. FOR STATE WATER BOARD STAFF USE ONLY
WDID: Date NOI Received: Date NOI Processed:
Fee Amount Received:
$
Check #:
Lyris List Notification of
Posting of APAP
Date ______________________ Confirmation Sent _______
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-4
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING NOI
STATEWIDE GENERAL NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
(NPDES) PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES TO WATERS OF
THE UNITED STATES FROM ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
These instructions are intended to help you, the Discharger, to complete the Notice of Intent
(NOI) form for the Statewide General NPDES permit. Please type or print clearly when
completing the NOI form. For any field, if more space is needed, submit a supplemental
letter with the NOI.
Send the completed and signed form along with the filing fee and supporting documentation to
the Division of Water Quality, State Water Resources Control Board. Please also send a copy
of the form and supporting documentation to the appropriate Regional Water Quality Control
Board (Regional Water Board).
Section I Notice of Intent Status
Indicate whether this request is for the first time coverage under this General Permit or a
change of information for the discharge already covered under this General Permit.
Dischargers that are covered under Order No. 2004-0009-DWQ before effective date of this
General Permit should check the box for change of information. For a change of information or
ownership, please supply the eleven-digit Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number for
the discharge.
Section II Discharger Information
Enter the name of the Discharger.
Enter the street number and street name where correspondence should be sent (P.O. Box is
acceptable).
Enter the city that applies to the mailing address given.
Enter the county that applies to the mailing address given.
Enter the state that applies to the mailing address given.
Enter the zip code that applies to the mailing address given.
Enter the name (first and last) of the contact person.
Enter the e-mail address of the contact person.
Enter the daytime telephone number of the contact person
Section III Billing Address
Enter the information only if it is different from Section II above.
Enter the name (first and last) of the person who will be responsible for the billing.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-5
Enter the street number and street name where the billing should be sent (P.O. Box is
acceptable).
Enter the city that applies to the billing address.
Enter the county that applies to the billing address.
Enter the state that applies to the billing address.
Enter the zip code that applies to the billing address.
Enter the e-mail address of the person responsible for billing.
Enter the title of the person responsible for billing.
Enter the daytime telephone number of the person responsible for billing.
Section IV Receiving Water Information
Please be reminded that this General Permit does not authorize any act that results in the
taking of a threatened or endangered species or any act that is now prohibited, or becomes
prohibited in the future, under either the California Endangered Species Act (Fish and
Game Code §2050 et. seq) or the Federal Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C.A. §1531 et.
seq). This General Permit requires compliance with effluent limitations, receiving water
limitations, and other requirements to protect the beneficial uses of waters of the state. The
Discharger is responsible for meeting all requirements of the applicable Endangered
Species Act.
Additional information on federally-listed threatened or endangered species and federally-
designated critical habitat is available from NMFS (www.nmfs.noaa.gov) for anadromous or
marine species or FWS (www.fws.gov) for terrestrial or freshwater species.
Check all boxes that apply. At least one box must be checked.
1. Check this box if the treatment area is a canal, ditch, or other constructed
conveyance system owned and controlled by Discharger. Print the name of the
conveyance system.
2. Check this box if the treatment area is a canal, ditch, or other constructed
conveyance system owned and controlled by an entity other than the Discharger.
Print the name and names of the conveyance system.
3. Check this box if the treatment area is not a constructed conveyance system
(including application to river, lake, creek, stream, bay, or ocean) and enter the
name(s) of the water body(s).
List all Regional Water Board numbers where algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application is proposed. Regional Water Board boundaries are defined in section
13200 of the California Water Code. The boundaries can also be found on our website
at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterboards_map.shtml
Regional Water
Board Numbers
Regional Water Board Names
1 North Coast
2 San Francisco Bay
3 Central Coast
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-6
Regional Water
Board Numbers
Regional Water Board Names
4 Los Angeles
5 Central Valley (Includes Sacramento, Fresno, Redding Offices)
6 Lahontan (South Lake Tahoe, Victorville offices)
7 Colorado River Basin
8 Santa Ana
9 San Diego
Section V Algaecide and Aquatic Herbicide Application Information
List the appropriate target organism(s).
List the name and active ingredients of each algaecide and aquatic herbicide to be
used.
List the start and end date of proposed aquatic algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application event.
List the name(s) and type(s) of adjuvants that will be used.
The Discharger must submit a new NOI if any information stated in this section will be
changed. If the Discharger plans to use an algaecide and aquatic herbicide product not
currently covered under its Notice of Applicability (NOA), and the algaecide and aquatic
herbicide product may be discharged to a water of the United States as a result of algaecide
and aquatic herbicide application, the Discharger must receive a revised NOA from the State
Section VI Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan
The Coalition or Discharger must prepare and complete an Aquatic Pesticide Application Plan
(APAP). The minimum contents of APAP are specified in the permit under Section VIII.C,
Limitations and Discharge Requirements, of the General Permit. The Discharger must ensure
that its applicator is familiar with the APAP contents before algaecide and aquatic herbicide
application.
If an APAP is not complete at the time of application, enter the date by which it will be
completed.
Section VII Notification
Indicate if you have notified potentially affected public and governmental agencies, as required
under item VIII.B of the General Permit.
Section VIII Fee
The amount of Annual fee shall be based on Category 3 discharge specified in section
2200(b)(9) of title 23, California Code of Regulations. Fee information can be found at
http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/fees/docs/fy1112fee_schdl_npdes_prmt.pdf .
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT E NOTICE OF INTENT E-7
Check the YES box if you have included payment of the annual fee. Check the NO box if you
have not included this payment. NOTE: You will be billed annually and payment is required to
continue coverage.
Section IX Certification
Print the name of the appropriate official. The person who signs the NOI must meet
the signatory and certification requirements stated in Attachment B Standard
Provisions item V.B.
The person whose name is printed above must sign and date the NOI.
Enter the title of the person signing the NOI.
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT F NOTICE OF TERMINATION F-1
Attachment F Notice of Termination
STATEWIDE GENERAL NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM
(NPDES) PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES TO WATERS OF
THE UNITED STATES FROM ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
I. WDID
II. DISCHARGER INFORMATION
III. BASIS FOR TERMINATION
WDID# ______________________
A. Name
B. Mailing Address
C. City D. County E. State F. Zip
G. Contact Person H. E-mail address I. Title J. Phone
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT F NOTICE OF TERMINATION F-2
IV. CERTIFICATION
Permit No.CAG990005, and 2) this document and all attachments were prepared under
my direction and supervision in accordance with a system designed to ensure that
qualified personnel properly gather and evaluate the information submitted. Based on my
inquiry of the person or persons who manage the system, or those persons directly
responsible for gathering the information, the information submitted is, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, true, accurate, and complete. I am aware that there are significant
penalties for submitting false information, including the p ossibility of fine or imprisonment.
Additionally, I understand that the submittal of this Notice of Termination does not release
an algaecide or aquatic herbicide applicator from liability for any violations of the Clean
Water Act.
A. Printed Name: ___________________________________
B. Signature: _______________________________ Date: __________________
C. Title: __________________________________________
V. FOR STATE WATER BOARD USE ONLY
Approved for Termination Denied and Returned to the Discharger
A. Printed Name: _____________________________________
B. Signature: ________________________________________
C. Date: _____________________________________________
NOT Effective Date: / /
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT G EXCEPTION LIST G-1
The public entities and mutual water companies listed herein have prepared Initial Studies,
Negative Declarations (ND), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND), and Notices of
Determination for the discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides in accordance with the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA (Public Resources Code § 21000 et seq.)) to
comply with the exception requirements of section 5.3 of the Policy. The boards of each public
entity, as the lead agencies under CEQA, approved the Final ND/MND and determined that
the discharge of algaecides and aquatic herbicides in their respective projects would not have
a significant effect on the environment. These public entities and mutual water companies
have determined that the water quality or related water quality impacts identified in the
environmental assessments of the ND/MND are less than significant.
In addition to submitting the CEQA documentation, these public entities and mutual water
companies have also complied with the other exception requirements of section 5.3 of the
Policy.
As required in section 15096 of the CEQA Guidelines, the State Water Resources Control
Board (State Water Board), as a Responsible Agency under CEQA, considered the ND/MND
approved by the board of each public entity and finds that the projects will have less than
significant water quality impact if the waste discharge requirements in this General Permit are
followed. Accordingly, the public entities and mutual water companies listed herein are hereby
granted an exception pursuant to section 5.3 of the Policy.
1. Byron-Bethany Irrigation District
2. City of Antioch Department of Public Works
3. Contra Costa Water District
4. Contra Costa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
5. Department of Food and Agriculture
6. Department of Water Resources
7. Friant Water Users Authority
8. Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District
9. Maine Prairie Water District
10. Marin Municipal Water District
11. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
12. Modesto Irrigation District
13. Nevada Irrigation District
GENERAL NPDES PERMIT FOR RESIDUAL ORDER NO. 2013-0002-DWQ
AQUATIC PESTICIDE DISCHARGES FROM NPDES NO. CAG990005
ALGAE AND AQUATIC WEED CONTROL APPLICATIONS
ATTACHMENT G EXCEPTION LIST G-2
14. North Marin Water District
15. Oakdale Irrigation District
16. Placer County Water Agency
17. Potter Valley Irrigation District
18. Princeton-Cordora-Glenn Irrigation District
19. Provident Irrigation District
20. Reclamation District 1004
21. Santa Cruz Water Department
22. Solano Irrigation District
23. South Feather Water and Power Agency
24. South Sutter Water District
25. Tehama Colusa Canal Authority
26. Turlock Irrigation District
27. Woodbridge Irrigation District
28. Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District
Exhibit D Attachment C
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
West Coast Region
650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-100
Sacramento, California 95814-4700
Fishery Management Plan That Does Acti on Have an Adverse Are EFH Conservation
Identifies Essential Fish Habitat Effect on EFH? Recommendations
(EFH) in the Project Area Provided?
Pacific Coast Groundfish No No
Pacific Coast Salmon No No
Consultation Conducted By: National Marine Fisheries Service, West Coast Region
Issued By:
� A. Thom '
Regional Administrator
Date: MAY 1 5 2018
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 3
List of Tables and Figures .......................................................................................................... 6
1.INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 8
1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Consultation History ......................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Proposed Federal Action ................................................................................................ I 0
2.ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT: ....................................................................................... 18
2.1 Analytical Approach ....................................................................................................... 18
2.2 Rangewide Status of the Species .................................................................................... 20
2.3 Action Area .................................................................................................................... 31
2.4 Environmental Baseline .................................................................................................. 32
2.5 Effects of the Action ....................................................................................................... 37
2.6 Cumulative Effects ......................................................................................................... 51
2. 7 Integration and Synthesis ............................................................................................... 51
2.8 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 57
2.9 Incidental Take Statement .............................................................................................. 57
2.10 Conservation Recommendations .................................................................................... 63
2.11 Reinitiation of Consultation ........................................................................................... 64
3.FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION ACT ............................................................. 66
4.DATA QUALITY ACT DOCUMENTATION AND PRE-DISSEMINATION
REVIEW66
4.1 Utility .............................................................................................................................. 66
4.2 Integrity .......................................................................................................................... 67
4.3 Objectivity ...................................................................................................................... 67
S.REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................... 68
6.APPENDICES .................................................................................................................... A-1
APPENDIX A: NMFS Criteria for AIPCP Projects .............................................................. A-1
APPENDIX B: Email Guidelines and Forms ........................................................................ B-1
7
1.INTRODUCTION
This Introduction section provides information relevant to the other sections of this document
and is incorporated by reference into Sections 2 and 3 below.
1.1 Background
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) prepared the programmatic biological opinion
( opinion) and incidental take statement (ITS) portions of this document in accordance with
section 7(b) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 (16 USC 1531 et seq.), and
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 402.
Because the proposed action would modify a stream or other body of water, NMFS also provides
recommendations and comments for the purpose of conserving fish and wildlife resources. and
enabling the Federal agency to give equal consideration with other project purposes, as required
under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA, 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
We completed pre-dissemination review of this document using standards for utility, integrity,
and objectivity in compliance with applicable guidelines issued under the Data Quality Act
(DQA) (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year
2001, Public Law 106-554). The document wi11 be available through NMFS' Public Consultation
Tracking System [https://pcts.nmfs.noaa.gov/pcts-web/homepage.pcts]. A complete record of
this consultation is on file at California Central Valley Office, located in Sacramento, California.
1.2 Consultation History
The United States Department of Agriculture -Agricultural Research Service (USDA) serves as
the Federal nexus for a cooperative project with the applicant, the California State Parks Division
of Boating and Waterways (CDBW), with regards to managing invasive plant control in the
Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun Marsh and providing research and scientific expertise. The
Aquatic Invasive Plant Control Program (AIPCP) incorporates and replaces the previous Delta
invasive species control programs implemented by USDA and CDBW and previously consulted
on by NMFS, which include Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) Control Program (WHCP),
Spongeplant (Limnobium laevigatum) Control Program (SCP), Egeria densa Control Program
(EDCP), and new invasive plant species (e.g., water primrose [Ludwigia spp.], curly-leaf
pondweed [Potamogeton crispus], coontail [Ceratophyllum demersum], Eurasian watermilfoil
[Myriophyllum spicatum], and Carolina fanwort [Cabomba caroliniana]) incorporated through
the process as defined by California Assembly Bill 763.
This opinion is based on information developed through the preceding fonnal and informal
consultations; information exchange; a series of coordination meetings with USDA, CDBW,
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and Anny Corps of Engineers (Corps); and
key correspondence with USDA and CDBW.
•On February 2, 2017, a meeting was held at the CDBW Sacramento office between staff
from USDA, CDBW, USFWS, Corps, and NMFS to discuss the AIPCP program
8
alternatives and obtain feedback from each agency on the proposed treatment methods
and overall program approach. During this meeting, NMFS noted that the treatment
locations identified were a concern due to the potential to create low dissolved oxygen
(DO) levels as a result of herbicide and mechanical treatment. NMFS suggested USDA
use historical DO data collected throughout the Delta to identify low DO areas of concern
for listed fish and their habitat.
•On May 11, 2017, a second meeting was held at the CDBW Sacramento office between
staff from USDA, CDBW, USFWS, Corps, and NMFS to present the "Description of the
Proposed Action" and obtain feedback on key topics (i.e., herbicide selection, treatment
timing, and location of physical treatment methods). During this meeting, NMFS
requested that CDBW provide information on the DO analyses mentioned above,
mapping of fish presence during mechanical treatment, and toxicology information
(University of California (UC)-Davis and CDBW toxicology studies) on herbicide
effects to listed salmonids and their habitat (i.e., prey items) as a result of the proposed
treatment activities. NMFS also requested additional information on the effects of the
proposed biocontrol methods (i.e., water hyacinth weevils (Neochetina bruchi and
Neochenlina eichhorniae] and water hyacinth planthopper [Megamelus scutellaris]) on
listed fish species and their habitats.
•On July 11, 2017, a third meeting was held at CDBW Sacramento office between staff
from USDA, CDBW, USFWS, Corps, and NMFS to present the first working draft of the
AIPCP BA. USDA and CDBW presented the effects analyses that were in progress (i.e.,
herbicide drift and overspray study, DO analysis, UC-Davis toxicology studies and
biocontrol feeding studies), the timeJine for completion, and summary of control
methods. During this meeting, USDA and CDB W requested NMFS review and comment
on the working draft of the BA.
•Prior to review of the draft BA, NMFS request a meeting with USDA, CDBW and UC
Davis to review the results of the toxicity and biocontrol feeding studies. On September
8, 2017, a meeting was held with USDA, CDBW, UC-Davis, and NMFS to discuss the
results of each study mentioned above. During the meeting, NMFS recommended that
USDA and CDBW remove herbicides that contain the active ingredient (carfentrazone
ethyl, endothall, and flumioxazin) that were found to affect fish and their prey items at
acute (96 hours) and chronic (seven days) concentrations based on the proposed herbicide
application concentrations, timing, and duration of exposure. In addition, NMFS
requested that all herbicide active ingredients (carfentrazone-ethyl, florpyrauxifen
benzyl) "under consideration for use in California" be removed from the AIPCP until
approved by the CDPR.
•On June 20, 2017, USDA sent to NMFS a courtesy copy of the first working draft of the
AIPCP BA, and requested NMFS's review. The working draft AIPCP BA did not include
an "Effects of the Proposed Action" section, which was critical in determining the
sufficiency of the draft BA. NMFS provided comments on September 21, 2017, based on
the ESA section 7 and EFH programmatic consultation process designed to evaluate the
9
decision-making process a Federal action agency employs to authorize, fund, or carry out
specific actions under a proposed plan (e.g. AIPCP) or regulation.
•On September 29, 2017, NMFS received a second draft of the AIPCP BA, and provided
comments on October 13, 2017.
•On October 16, 2017, USDA, requested formal consultation to implement the AIPCP for
floating aquatic vegetation (FA V), emergent aquatic vegetation (EA V), and submerged
aquatic vegetation (SA V) in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta), its tributaries,
and Suisun Marsh covering 5 years (2018-2022). NMFS also received the AIPCP BA and
supplemental materials. NMFS determined that the initiation package was complete to
initiate formal section 7 consultation.
Based on guidance from NMFS, USDA has determined that the proposed action is likely to
adversely affect (LAA) four ESA-listed species (Table 1), but not likely to adversely affect
(NLAA) their critical habitats. USDA also determined that the proposed action would not
adversely affect areas designated by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) as
essential fish habitat for Pacific Coast salmon (PFMC and NMFS 2014), and Pacific Coast
groundfish (PFMC 2005), including estuarine areas designated as Habitat Areas of Particular
Concern (HAPCs).
Table 1. Listed species, status, and relevant Federal Register (FR) notices for ESA-listed species
considered in this opinion.
--,
Listed Species Scientific Name Listing Listing Determination Status
Central Valley (CY) spring-run
Chinook sa lmon evolutionarily Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Threatened t7o'FR 37160, June 28, 2005
significant unit (ESU)
Sacramento River winter-run 0.tshawytscha Endangered t70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005 Chinook salmon ESU
California CV steelhead distinct 0.mykiss Threatened t71 FR 834, January 5, 2006 population semtent (DPS)
Southern DPS ofNorth American Acipenser medirostris Threatened t71 FR 17757, April 7, 2006 green sturgeon
t species listing
1.3 Proposed Federal Action
"Action" means all activities or programs of any kind authorized, funded, or carried out, in
whole or in part, by Federal agencies (50 CFR 402.02). For EFH consultation, "Federal action"
means any action authorized, funded, or undertaken, or proposed to be authorized, funded, or
undertaken by a Federal Agency (50 CFR 600.910). Under the FWCA, consultation is required
whenever the waters of any stream or other body of water are proposed or authorized to be
impounded, diverted, the channel deepened, or the stream or other body of water otherwise
controlled or modified for any purpose whatever, including navigation and drainage, by any
10
Table 2. Summary of AIPCP Control Methods for SA V and FA V in the Delta, its tributaries,
and the Suisun Marsh.
� � �lN!'-!11
Herbicide active ingredients
2, 4-D X routine
Glyphosate X routine
Penoxsulam X X routine
lma7.3Dlox X X routine
Diauat X X routine
Fluridone X routine
Imaz.aovr X routine
Carfentrazone-ethyl X X Newlv orooosed
Endothall (Aquathol Kiili) X Newly proposed
Flumioxazin X X Newly orooosed
Florovrauxifen-benzvl X X Newly proposed2
Tanlc Mixes X X Newly prooosed
Physical and Mechanical Method
Benthic mats X Newly prol)Osed
Hand/nets X routine
Diver hand removal, hand pulling X routine
Diver assisted suction removal X Newly proposed
Booms and floating barriers X X Newlv pronosed
Curtains, screens X Newly proposed
Surface excavators X Newly orooosed
Harvesters X X routine
Cutters and shredders X routine
Herding X routine
Adiuvaots
Agri-Dex X routine
Competitor X routine
Cygnet Plus X Newly proposed
Break-Thru SP 133 X Newly proposed2
Dves
Rhodamine X Newly orooosed
Bright Dyes X Newly proposed
Biolotlical Controls (Water hyacinth only)3
Neochetina sp. weevil X Newlv orooosed
Plant hoooer (Me�ame/us scutellaris) X Newly proposed
X indicates the type of plants proposed for each method
1 Treatment methods used to control FA V also apply to EA V treatment.
2 Current use label pending approval by the California Department of Pesticide Regulations
3 Biological controls will ONLY be used in designated investigation zones to control the growth of water hyacinth.
12
1.3.1 Operations Management Plan
The proposed limit of the AIPCP is 15,000 treatment acres per year for all SA V, EA V, and FA V
during a 5-year (2018-2022) implementation period. Mechanical harvest activities are limited to
200 treatment acres per year. Because aquatic invasive plants growth patterns are unpredictable
and these plants may move throughout the Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun Marsh with
winds, tides, and water flow, specific information about the number, location, timing, frequency
and intensity of the actions that are carried out are not specified at the AIPCP programmatic
level. Each year, USDA and CDBW will develop a SA V, EA V, and FA V Operations
Management Plan (hereafter, OMP) for review and approval by NMFS and other regulatory
agencies prior to implementation. The OMP will include a prioritization and site selection
process to implement treatment methods based on the type and density of AIS in the area, and
the hydrological and geographical characteristics (e.g., water characteristics, channel type,
marina status, flow, and potable water or plant nursery intakes).
The OMP will follow the AIPCP that specifies:
•Pre-treatment application protocol
•Treatment application and monitoring coordination protocol
•Best management practices (BMPs) for handling herbicides
•BMPs for physical and mechanical treatment methods
•Spray equipment maintenance and calibration protocol
•Herbicide Spill Contingency Plan
The OMP will include requirements for the avoidance of threatened and endangered species,
habitat evaJuations, annual monitoring protocols, and various AIPCP state (Center Valley
Regional Water Quality Control Board Statewide General National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit for residual discharge) and federal monitoring requirements
(i.e., incidental take authorized under the AIPCP). USDA and CDBW will continuously monitor
conditions (e.g., water quality, water quantity and habitat) in the Delta, its tributaries, and the
Suisun Marsh and use the data collected to modify the AIPCP as needed.
1.3.2 Biological Controls
The USDA and CDBW propose to use two new biological controls methods (water hyacinth
weevil [Neochetina bruchi and Neochetina eichhorniae] and water hyacinth planthopper
[Megamelus scutellarisJ) to control the spread of water hyacinth in the Delta, its tributaries, and
the Suisun Marsh. These methods are important to supplement the herbicide, physical removal
and mechanical control methods, particularly in locations where herbicide use is not possible due
to pennit restrictions or logistics.
Water Hyacinth Weevil (N bruchi and N eichhorniae)
Water hyacinth weevil adults are easily visible on water hyacinth plants. The weevils have
proved to be safe for release on water hyacinth without damage to non-target plants. The length
of an adult is approximately 5 mm (about I/8 th of an inch) (Warner 1970). Water hyacinth
weevils are light to dark brown or black on the dorsal side, often with a chevron-like mark across
13
th
will be chosen that represent conditions that support aquatic invasive plants; typically occur in 1 O
to 20-acre plots; and minimize off-site movement of herbicides and biological control methods
(releases will occur in I-acre plots). DIZs research activities may include:
•testing new herbicides and tank mixes by concentrations and plant species,
•testing new application methods (e.g., drones or helicopters for herbicide treatments),
•DO monitoring post treatment after large infestations,
•DO monitoring for various aquatic invasive plant species,
•testing new physical treatment methods, and
•evaluating the effectiveness of biocontrol releases on water hyacinth.
The AlPCP will only use herbicides that are approved by the USEPA, CDPR, and are included in
the NPDES general permit. USDA and CDBW will conduct pre-treatment and post-treatment
water quality monitoring to ensure compliance with NP DES receiving water limitations, DO,
baseline expectations for expected environmental concentrations, and other water quality
parameters (for details on the environmental monitoring requirements see Exhibit 3-94 of the
AlPCP BA).
1.3.4 AlPCP Performance Metrics
In addition to the methods described above, CDBW may also employ aerial surveys or remote
sensing methods to assist in site prioritization and follow-up evaluation. Remote sensing and
cover assessment could include aerial monitoring (e.g., fixed wing, drone, satellite [AVRIS,
SPECTIR]). Landsat monitoring data provided by the NASA to CDBW through the Delta
Region Area-wide Aquatic Weed Project will support field monitoring and inform program
performance and planning for future treatment seasons. It is important to note that there are
numerous technical cha11enges inherent in measuring FA V and SA V coverage, including the
abiJity to identify species from aerial photogrammetry, movement of FA V species, growth of
FA V species, and the size of the action area. USDA and CDBW will adaptively manage program
monitoring to improve measurement capabilities over time. Data to support program
performance metrics will include the following:
•acres of infestation (by FA V and SAV species when possible),
•biomass and biocover (from hydroacoustic monitoring),
•acres of infestation in particular locations (nursery sites, problem sites),
•herbicide application (pounds of active ingredient),
•acres treated in ecosystem restoration sites,
•number of reported FA V and SA V sightings and complaints, and
•acres/cubic yards of aquatic vegetation removal by physical/mechanical methods.
For a complete description of the proposed Federal action, refer to Section 3.1 of the AIPCP BA.
"Interrelated actions" are those that are part of a larger action and depend on the larger action for
their justification. "Interdependent actions" are those that have no independent utility apart from
the action under consideration (50 CFR 402.02).
We have not identified any interrelated or interdependent actions associated with the proposed
action for this consultation.
J7
2.ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT:
BIOLOGICAL OPINION AND INCIDENT AL TAKE ST A TEMENT
The ESA establishes a national program for conserving threatened and endangered species of
fish, wildlife, plants, and the habitat upon which they depend. As required by section 7(a)(2) of
the ESA, each Federal agency must ensure that its actions are not likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of endangered or threatened species, or adversely modify or destroy their
designated critical habitat. Per the requirements of the ESA, Federal action agencies consult with
NMFS and section 7(b)(3) requires that, at the conclusion of consultation, NMFS provides an
opinion stating how the agency's actions would affect listed species and their critical habitats.
If incidental take is reasonably certain to occur, section 7(b)(4) requires NMFS to provide an ITS
that specifies the impact of any incidental taking and includes non-discretionary reasonable and
prudent measures (RP Ms) and terms and conditions to minimize such impacts.
USDA determined the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect critical habitat designated
for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, California
CV (CCV) steelhead, and Southern DPS (sDPS) green sturgeon. Our concurrence is documented
in the "Not Likely to Adversely Affect" Determinations section 2.12.
2.1 Analytical Approach
This biological opinion includes a jeopardy analysis. An adverse modification analysis is not
applicable, because NMFS concurs with USDA's determination that the proposed action is not
likely to adversely affect designated critical habitat. The jeopardy analysis relies upon the
regulatory definition of "to jeopardize the continued existence of' a listed species, which is "to
engage in an action that would be expected, directly or indirectly, to reduce appreciably the
likelihood of both the survival and recovery of a listed species in the wild by reducing the
reproduction, numbers, or distribution of that species" (50 CFR 402.02). Therefore, the jeopardy
analysis considers both survival and recovery of the species.
This biological opinion relies on the definition of "destruction or adverse modification," which
"means a direct or indirect alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat for
the conservation of a listed species. Such alterations may include, but are not limited to, those
that alter the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of a species or that
preclude or significantly delay development of such features" (81 FR 7214; February 11, 2016).
The designations of critical habitat for Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, CV
spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon use the term primary
constituent element (PCE) or essential features. The new critical habitat regulations (81 FR 7414;
February 11, 2016) replace this tenn with physical or biological features (PBFs). The shift in
tenninology does not change the approach used in conducting a '' destruction or adverse
modification'' analysis, which is the same regardless of whether the original designation
identified PCEs, PBFs, or essential features. In this biological opinion, we use the term PBF to
mean PCE or essential feature, as appropriate for the specific critical habitat.
18
We use the following approach to determine whether a proposed action is likely to jeopardize
listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat:
•Identify the rangewide status of the species and critical habitat expected to be adversely
affected by the proposed action.
•Describe the environmental baseline in the action area.
•Analyze the effects of the proposed action on both species and their habitat using an
Hexposure-response-risk" approach.
•Describe any cumulative effects in the action area.
•Integrate and synthesize the above factors by: (1) Reviewing the status of the specie s and
critical habitat; and (2) adding the effects of the action, the environmental baseline, and
cumulative effects to assess the risk that the proposed action poses to species and critical
habitat.
•Reach a conclusion about whether species are jeopardized or critical habitat is adversely
modified.
•If necessary, suggest a RP A to the proposed action.
2.1.1 Ecological Risk Assessment Framework
The ecological risk assessment framework follows an interim
approach recommended by the National Research Council
(NRC) in the fonn of a report entitled, "Assessing Risk to
Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides"
(National Research Council 2013), and the most up to date
scientific information on pesticides risk assessment
framework (NMFS 201 lc, 2013). NMFS conducted risk
assessment analysis based on each herbicide stressor using the
data and information provided by USDA and CDBW, as well
as other data from the USEPA's ECOTOX database (USEPA
2014),journal articles, toxicology studies, Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS) and technical reports (Hamelink et al. 1986,
Habig 2004, Laetz et al. 2009, MacNeale et al. 2010, Michel et
al. 2004, Nielson and DahJlof2007, Reylea 2009, Schlenk et al.
2012, Scholz et al. 2012, NMFS 2013).
PrOblem Form�liln
Risk Cllaractarlzalk>n
Effects Analysis
Figure 1. Ecological risk
assessment process for
chemical stressor. From
USEPA (2004).
The risk assessment framework organizes the available information into four parts: problem
formation, analysis of exposure and response, effects analysis, and risk characterization (USEP A
2004, Figure 1 ).
The USEP A, USFWS, NMFS, and USDA have worked together to develop and implement a
shared approach of an interim risk assessment framework, which focuses on a species centric
weight-of-evidence approach rather than a chemical-centric approach (National Research
Council 2013). Studies with listed species are preferable; however, when there is not a complete
suite of information relating to effects on listed species, data from other surrogate species are
used, recognizing and noting where there may be substantial interspecies extrapolation. For
example, rainbow trout are used as surrogates for salmonids and white sturgeon for green
19
sturgeon. Even though there may be interspecies extrapolation, data from surrogates are
considered the best available and were used in previous national pesticide consultations.
NMFS evaluated the individual fitness of exposed salmonids and green sturgeon and developed
risk hypothesis for each species. Specifically, NMFS evaluated whether the AIPCP use of each
treatment method is likely to:
a)kill salmonids/green sturgeon from direct exposure,
b)reduce reproduction of salmonids and green sturgeon,
c)reduce growth of salmonids and green sturgeon through impacts on the availability and
quantity of prey, or
d)accumulate in salmonids and green sturgeon, which would impair fitness.
NMFS also evaluated the effects from the stressors of the action and contributing environmental
factors and developed risk hypothesis for critical habitat. Specifically, NMFS evaluated the
likelihood of each stressor to cause adverse effects to critical habitat from:
a)exposure to each of the five herbicides,
b)exposure to the degradate s of the five herbicides,
c)exposure to other herbicides present in the action area that act in combination with the
proposed herbicides to increase effects, and
d)exposure to elevated temperatures, which may enhance the toxicity of the stressors of the
action.
2.2 Rangewide Status of the Species
This opinion examines the status of each species that would be adversely affected by the
proposed action. The status is determined by the level of extinction risk that the listed species
face, based on parameters considered in documents such as recovery plans, status reviews, and
listing decisions. This informs the description of the species' likelihood of both survival and
recovery. The species status section also helps to inform the description of the species' current
"reproduction, numbers, or distribution" as described in 50 CFR 402.02.
The following federally listed species evolutionarily significant units (ESU) or distinct
population segments (DPS) may be affected by the proposed AIPCP:
Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon ESU ( 0. tshawytscha)
Listed as endangered (70 FR 37160, June 28, 2005)
Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon ESU (0. tshawytscha)
Listed as threatened (70 FR 3 7160, June 28, 2005)
California Central Valley steelbead DPS (0. mykiss)
Listed as threatened (71 FR 834, January 5, 2006)
20
Southern DPS of North American green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)
Listed as threatened (71 FR 17757, April 7, 2006)
2.2.1 Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook Salmon ESU
Historically, Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon (hereafter, winter-run Chinook
salmon) population estimates were as high as 120,000 fish in the 1960s, but declined to less than
200 fish by the 1990s (NMFS 201 la). In recent years, since carcass surveys began in 2001, the
highest adult escapement occurred in 2005 and 2006 with 15,839 and 17,296, respectively
[California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) 2012). However, from 2007 to 2013, the
population has shown a precipitous decline, averaging 2,486 during this period, with a low of
827 adults in 2011 (CDFG 2012). This recent declining trend is likely due to a combination of
factors such as poor ocean productivity (Lindley et al. 2009), drought conditions from 2007 to
2009, and low in-river survival rates (NMFS 201 la). In 2014 and 2015, the population was
approximately 3,000 adults, slightly above the 2007 to 2012 average, but below the high
(17,296) for the last IO years [California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2016].
The year 2014 was the third year of a drought that increased water temperatures in the upper
Sacramento River, and egg-to-fry survival to the Red Bluff Diversion Darn (RBDD) was
approximately 5 percent (NMFS 2016a). Due to the anticipated lower than average survival in
2014, hatchery production from Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery (LSNFH) was tripled
(i.e., 612,056 released) to offset the impact of the drought (CVP and SWP Drought Contingency
Plan 2014). In 2014, hatchery production represented approximately 83 percent of the total in
river juvenile production. In 2015, egg-to-fry survival was the lowest on record (approximately 4
percent) due to the inability to release cold water from Shasta Dam in the fourth year of a
drought. As expected, winter-run Chinook salmon returns in 2016 and 2017 were both very low,
estimated at 1,546 and 1,155 (CDFW 2017), respectively, due to drought impacts on juveniles
from brood years 2013 and 2014 (NMFS 2016a).
Although impacts from hatchery fish (i.e., reduced fitness, weaker genetics, smaller size, less
ability to avoid predators) are often cited as having deleterious impacts on natural in-river
populations (Matala et al. 20 I 2), the winter-run Chinook salmon conservation program at
LSNFH is strictly controlled by the FWS to reduce such impacts. The average annual hatchery
production at LSNFH is approximately 176,348 per year (2001 to 2010 average) compared to the
estimated natural production that passes RBDD, which is 4.7 million per year based on the 2002
to 20 IO average (Poytress and Carrillo 2011 ). Therefore, hatchery production typically
represents approximately 3 to 4 percent of the total in-river juvenile winter-run production in any
given year. However, because drought conditions were expected to result in low juvenile winter
run Chinook salmon survival in the Sacramento River, LSNFH tripled its production of juvenile
winter-run in brood year 2014 and released -600,000 juvenile winter-run Chinook salmon into
the upper Sacramento River. For brood year 2015, LSNFH doubled its production, and released
-400,000 juvenile winter-run Chinook salmon into the upper Sacramento River. As a result of
the increased contribution of hatchery production to total in-river production in recent years, the
2017 returns (brood year 2014) was represented by more than 70 percent hatchery influence,
indicating the population is at a moderate risk of extinction.
21
cooler water temperatures, more adults surviving to spawn, and extended population survival
time (Mosser et al. 2013 ).
In summary, the extinction risk for the CV spring-run Chinook salmon ESU was evaluated for
years 2012-2014, which remained at moderate risk of extinction (NMFS 2016c). However,
based on the severity of the drought and the low escapements, as well as increased pre-spawn
mortality in Butte, Mill, and Deer creeks in 2015, there is concern that these CV spring-run
Chinook salmon strongholds will deteriorate into high extinction risk in the coming years based
on the population size or rate of decline criteria (NMFS 2016c ).
2.2.3 California Central Valley Steelhead DPS
Historic California Central Va1ley (CCV) steelhead run sizes are difficult to estimate given the
paucity of data, but may have approached one to two million adults annually (McEwan 2001 ).
By the early 1960s, the CCV stee]head run size had declined to about 40,000 adults (McEwan
200 I). Current abundance data for CCV steelhead are limited to returns to hatcheries and redd
surveys conducted on a few rivers. The hatchery data are the most reliable because redd surveys
for steelhead are often made difficult by high flows and turbid water usually present during the
winter-spring spawning period.
CCV steelhead returns to CNFH increased from 201 1 to 2014. After reaching a low of only 790
fish in 2010, 2013 and 2014 have averaged 2,895 fish. Wild adults counted at the hatchery each
year represent a smaJI fraction of overall returns, but their numbers have remained relatively
steady, typically 200 to 300 fish each year. Numbers of wild adults returning each year ranged
from 252 to 610 from 2010 to 2014, respectively.
Redd counts are conducted in the American River and in Clear Creek (Shasta County). An
average of 143 redds have been counted on the American River from 2002 to 2015 (Hannon et
al. 2003, Hannon and Deason 2008, Chase 20 1 0). An average of 178 redds have been counted in
Clear Creek from 2001 to 2015 following the removal of Saeltzer Dam, which allowed steelhead
access to additional spawning habitat. The Clear Creek redd counts range from 100 to 1,023 and
indicates an upward trend in abundance since 2006 (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2015).
The returns of CCV steelhead to the FRFH experienced a sharp decrease from 2003 to 2010,
with only 679,312, and 86 fish returning in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. In recent years,
however, returns have experienced an increase, with 830, 1,797, and 1,505 fish returning in
2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Overall, steelhead returns to hatcheries have fluctuated so
much from 200 l to 20 15 that no clear trend is present.
An estimated I 00,000 to 300,000 naturally-produced juvenile steelhead are estimated to leave
the Central Valley annua1ly, based on rough calculations from sporadic catches in trawl gear
(Good et al. 2005). Nobriga and Cadrett (2001) used the ratio of adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) to
unclipped (wild) steelhead smolt catch ratios in the FWS Chipps Island trawl from 1998 through
2000 to estimate that about 400,000 to 700,000 steelhead smolts are produced naturally each year
in the Central Valley. Trawl data indicate that the level of natural production of steelhead has
remained very low since the 2011 status review, suggesting a decline in natural production based
25
on consistent hatchery releases. Catches of steelhead at the fish collection facilities in the
southern Delta are another source of information on the production of wild steelhead relative to
hatchery steelhead {CDFW 2017). The overall catch of steelhead has declined dramatically since
the early 2000s, with an overall average of 2,705 in the last 10 years as measured by expanded
salvage (CDFW 2014 and NMFS 2016b). The percentage of wild (unclipped) fish in salvage has
fluctuated, but has leveled off to an average of 36 percent since a high of93 percent in 1999.
About 80 percent of the historical spawning and rearing habitat once used by CCV steelhead in
the Central Valley is now upstream of impassible dams {Lindley et al. 2006). Many historical
populations of CCV steelhead are entirely above impassable barriers and may persist as resident
or adfluvial rainbow trout, although they are presently not considered part of the DPS. Steelhead
are well-distributed throughout the Central Valley below the major rim dams (Good et al. 2005,
NMFS 2016b). Most of the steelhead populations in the Central Valley have a high hatchery
component, including Battle Creek {adults intercepted at the CNFH weir), the American River,
Feather River, and Mokelumne River.
The CCV steelhead abundance and growth rates continue to decline, largely the result of a
significant reduction in the amount and diversity of habitats available to these populations
(Lindley et al. 2006). Recent reductions in population size are supported by genetic analysis
{Nielsen et al. 2003). Garza and Pearse (2008) analyzed the genetic relationships among CCV
steelhead populations and found that unlike the situation in coastal California watersheds, fish
below barriers in the Central Valley were often more closely related to below barrier fish from
other watersheds than to 0. mykiss above barriers in the same watershed. This pattern suggests
the ancestral genetic structure is still relatively intact above barriers, but may have been altered
below barriers by stock transfers. The genetic diversity of CCV steelhead is also compromised
by hatchery origin fish, placing the natural population at a high risk of extinction (Lindley et al
2007). Steelhead in the Central Valley historically consisted of both summer-run and winter-run
Chinook salmon migratory forms. Only winter-run { ocean maturing) steelhead currently are
found in California Central Valley rivers and streams as summer-run have been extirpated
(McEwan and Jackson 1996, Moyle 2002).
Although CCV steelhead will experience similar effects of climate change to Chinook salmon in
the Central Valley, as they are also blocked from the vast majority of their historic spawning and
rearing habitat, the effects may be even greater in some cases, as juvenile steelhead need to rear
in the stream for one to two summers prior to emigrating as smolts. In the Central Valley,
summer and fall temperatures below the dan1s in many streams already exceed the recommended
temperatures for optimal growth of juvenile steelhead, which range from 57 degrees Fahrenheit
(°F) to 66 °F [14 degrees Celsius (°C) to 19 °C]. Several studies have found that steelhead require
colder water temperatures for spawning and embryo incubation than salmon (McCullough et al.
2001). McCullough et al. (2001) recommended an optimal incubation temperature at or below
52°F to 55 °F (11 °C to 13 °C). Successful smoltification in steelhead may be impaired by
temperatures above 54°F (12 °C), as reported in (Richter and Kolmes 2005). As stream
temperatures warm due to climate change, the growth rates of juvenile steelhead could increase
in some systems that are currently relatively cold, but potentially at the expense of decreased
survival due to higher metabolic demands and greater presence and activity of predators. Stream
26
temperatures that are currently marginal for spawning and rearing may become too warm to
support wild steelhead populations.
All indications are that natural CCV steelhead have continued to decrease in abundance and in
the proportion of natural fish over the past 25 years (NMFS 2016b); the long-term trend remains
negative. Hatchery production and returns are dominant. Most wild CCV populations are very
smaJl and may lack the resiliency to persist for protracted periods if subjected to additional
stressors, particularly widespread stressors such as climate change. The genetic diversity of CCV
steelhead has likely been impacted by low population sizes and high numbers of hatchery fish
relative to wild fish. In summary, the status of CCV steelhead appears to have remained
unchanged since the 201 1 status review, and the DPS is likely to become endangered within the
foreseeable future throughout alJ or a significant portion of its range (NMFS 2016b ).
2.2.4 Southern DPS of North American Green Sturgeon
Green sturgeon are known to range from Baja California to the Bering Sea along the North
American continental shelf. During late summer and early faJl, subadults and non-spawning adult
green sturgeon can frequently be found aggregating in estuaries along the Pacific coast (Emmett
et al. 1991, Moser and Lindley 2006). Using polyploid microsatellite data, Israel et al. (2009)
found that green sturgeon within the Central ValJey of California belong to the Southern DPS
(sDPS). Additionally, acoustic tagging studies have found that green sturgeon found spawning
within the Sacramento River are exclusively sDPS of North American green sturgeon (hereafter
referred to as sDPS green sturgeon, Lindley et al. 2011 ). In waters inland from the Golden Gate
Bridge in California, sDPS green sturgeon are known to range through the estuary and the Delta
and up the Sacramento, Feather, and Yuba rivers (Israel et al. 2009, Sciences 201 1, Seesholtz et
al. 2014). It is unJikely that green sturgeon utilize areas of the San Joaquin River upriver of the
Delta with regularity, and spawning events are thought to be limited to the upper Sacramento
River and its tributaries. There is no known modem usage of the upper San Joaquin River by
green sturgeon, and adult spawning has not been documented there (Jackson and Van
Eenennaarn 2013).
Recent research indicates that sDPS green sturgeon is composed of a single, independent
population, which principally spawns in the mainstem Sacramento River and also breeds
opportunistically in the Feather River and possibly the Yuba River (Cramer Fish Sciences 201 1,
Seesholtz et al. 2014}. Concentration of adults into a very few select spawning locations makes
the species highly vulnerable to poaching and catastrophic events. Whether sDPS green sturgeon
display diverse phenotypic traits, such as ocean behavior, age at maturity, and fecundity, or if
there is sufficient diversity to buffer against long-tenu extinction risk is not well understood. It is
likely that the diversity of sDPS green sturgeon is low, given recent abundance estimates (NMFS
2015).
Trends in abundance of sDPS green sturgeon have been estimated from two long-tenn data
sources: (I) salvage numbers at the state and Federal pumping facilities (CDFW 2017), and (2)
by incidental catch of green sturgeon by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's
(CDFW) white sturgeon sampling/tagging program (DuBois et al. 2011). Historical estimates
from these sources are likely unreliable because the sDPS was likely not taken into account in
27
(i.e.,
et
locations lower in the river may be more affected. It is uncertain, however, if green sturgeon
spawning habitat exists closer to ACID, which could allow spawning to shift upstream in
response to climate change effects. Successful spawning of green sturgeon in other accessible
habitats in the Central Valley (i.e., the Feather River) is limited, in part, by late spring and
summer water temperatures. Similar to salmonids in the Central Valley, green sturgeon spawning
in the major lower river tributaries to the Sacramento River are likely to be further limited if
water temperatures increase and suitable spawning habitat remains inaccessible.
In summary, observed and predicted climate change effects are generally detrimental to the
species (McClure 2011 ), so unless offset by improvements in other factors, the status of the
species and critical habitat is likely to decline over time. The climate change projections
referenced above cover the time period between the present and approximately 2100. While there
is uncertainty associated with projections, which increases over time, the direction of change is
relatively certain (McClure et al. 2013).
2.3 Action Area
"Action area" means all areas to be affected directly or indirectly by the Federal action and not
merely the immediate area involved in the action (50 CFR 402.02).
In this Opinion, the action area includes USDA and CDBW's defined AIPCP boundary (see
Exhibit 3-27, 3-28a, and 3-28b of the AIPCP). The action area for the proposed AIPCP generally
includes the "Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun Marsh" (Harbors and Navigation Code Section
64 ), and extends a distance of 100 feet in all directions, both up and down river and laterally
across the entire width of the channel; where water levels are influenced by tributary inflows and
tidal action. This distance is based on USDA and CDBW's monitoring data on the fate and
transport of herbicides, and the expected extent of herbicide effects emanating from herbicide
treatment activity. The State of California legal definition of the Delta includes six counties (San
Joaquin, Yolo, Sacramento, Solano, Contra Costa, and Alameda). The AIPCP includes 11
counties: (1) San Joaquin, (2) Yolo, (3) Sacramento, (4) Solano, (5) Contra Costa, (6) Alameda,
(7) Fresno, (8) Madera, (9) Merced, ( l 0) Stanislaus, and (1 1) Tuolumne.
The general boundaries for the action area are as follows:
•West along the Sacramento River to and including Sherman Island at the confluence of
the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers
•West along the Sacramento River to the Sacramento Northern Railroad to include water
bodies north of the southern confluence of the Sacramento River and Sacramento River
Deep Water Ship Channel
•North along the Sacramento River to the northern confluence of the Sacramento River
and Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, plus waters within Lake Nat.oma
•South along the San Joaquin River to Mendota, just east of Fresno
•East along the San Joaquin River from Mendota to Friant Dam on Millerton Lake
•East along the Tuolumne River to LaGrange Reservoir below Don Pedro Reservoir
•East along the Merced River to Merced Falls, below Lake McClure.
31
2.4 Environmental Baseline
The "environmental baseline" includes the past and present impacts of all Federal, state, or
private actions and other human activities in the action area, the anticipated impacts of all
proposed Federal projects in the action area that have already undergone formal or early section
7 consultation, and the impact of state or private actions which are contemporaneous with the
consultation in process (50 CFR 402.02).
The Rangewide Status of Species section shows that past and present impacts to the Sacramento
and San Joaquin river basins and the Delta have caused significant salmonid and green sturgeon
habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation throughout the historical and occupied areas for these
species.
2.4.1 Status of the Species in the Action Area
The action area functions primarily as a migratory corridor for winter-run, CV spring-run
Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon, but it also provides some use as
holding and rearing habitat for each of these species a.s well.
2.4.1.1 Sacramento River Winter-Run Chinook Salmon
The temporal occurrence of winter-run smolts and juveniles within the action area are best
described by a combination of fish monitoring programs conducted in the Northern and
Central Delta and the salvage records of the CVP and SWP fish collection facilities. Using the
fish monitoring data from the northern and Central Delta, 3 percent of the annual winter-run
juvenile population emigrates into the Delta in November, 24 percent in December, 17 percent
in January, 19 percent in February, 37 percent in March and only 1 percent in April. The first
entry of winter-run juveniles into the Delta (as measured by both the Knights Landing RST
and the Sacramento Trawls monitoring data) can occur as early as the beginning of October.
These early arrivals to the Delta typically coincide with precipitation events that produce a sharp
spike in the Sacramento River hydrograph. Over a 12-year period (water years 2001 to 2012)
approximately 4 percent of the annual cumulative catch at the Knights Landing RST occurred by
the end of October and 10.7 percent by the end of November. Presence of juvenile winter-run at
either the Knights Landing RST site or at the Sacramento River trawl site would be considered as
evidence that these fish would be present in the action area, provided that the DCC gates
remained open immediately prior to and during the tide-related rise in river levels. The timing of
juvenile winter-run presence in the Delta is corroborated by the salvage records covering water
years 2000 to 2009 at the CVP and SWP fish collection facilities which pertain to operations
prior to the modifications of operations resulting from the biological opinions from the USFWS
and NMFS for the long-term operations of the State and Federal water projects. Juvenile
winter-run are typically present in the action area starting no later than December, if not earlier,
based on salvage in the South Delta. During the study period 5-year AIPCP, a significant rain
event may occur in the upper Sacramento River basin causing a sharp increase in the river flows
in a 24-hour period or flows greater than approximately 400 cubic meters per second (m3 s ·1)
( approximately 14,000' cfs, ( de) Rosario et al. 2013)) as measured at Wilkins Slough near the
Knights Landing RST site. If such an event occurs, considerable winter-run Chinook salmon
32
(i.e.,
(i.e.,
maximum concentration. Figure 2 illustrates no overlap between FA V carfentrazone-ethyl
treatment application and the Environmental Exposure Concentrations (EECs). All of the reptile
surrogates and fish toxicity endpoint concentrations are orders of magnitude higher than the
proposed carfentrazone-ethyl treatment concentrations. However for SA V, the two endpoints for
rainbow trout (LOEC, EC25) are within the range of proposed AIPCP herbicide treatment
concentrations (a maximum of 200 ppb of carfentrazone-ethyl is pennitted for discharge into
receiving waters).
Due to the limited amount of data on the environmental fate of carfentrazone-ethyl, and based on
the proposed maximum application concentration applied to Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun
Marsh waterways FAV (4.5 ppb) and SAV (200 ppb; i.e., level of exposure) and duration of
exposure (time to dissipate), we assume that at any treatment site, the duration of exposure to
carfentrazone-ethyl for listed fish will be approximately 36 hours. Given the low levels at which
rainbow trout are affected by carfentrazone-ethyl, the sublethal acute and chronic effects to
growth and survival endpoints at various life stages (i.e., rainbow trout sac-fry and juvenile), the
lack of data on effects to surrogates for sDPS green sturgeon, and the co-occurrence of listed
species in the action area; juvenile and adult winter-run, yearling CV spring-run, juvenile and
adult CCV steelhead, and all life stages of sDPS green sturgeon are likely to experience adverse
physiological effects (i.e., reduced growth and survival), and are likely vulnerable to predation as
a result of carfentrazone-ethyl exposure.
-
■ltHi:it-21
,.
--
...
' -
, ......... NCO;. -_;7:�1lrt==�
r t ,..__WIIIIIILCS> , .... ._._I.CIO
........ aollll(llw)
......
-_,
'lllmll
-
... ' G@ii'ifrciP31H I
•1Pl'O•-... --i..e--1 •--.,oow1
Figure 2. Exposure concentrations for amphibian surrogate and fish species endpoint effects for
carfentrazone-ethyl (µg/L or ppb, CDBW 2017).
39
Endothall
USEP A approved endothall as a reduced risk herbicide. Endothall will only be used for SA V
treatment. The AIPCP will only use the dipotassium salt fonnulation of endothall (as Aquathol®)
and will not use the amine salt (Hydrothol) fonnulations, which are highly toxic to fish and
invertebrates (SERA 2009). Aquathol® concentrations up to 500 ppm are safe for fish
{EXTOXNET 1995).
Fish acute and chronic toxicity endpoints for endothall dipotassium salt are provided in Exhibit
6-27 of the AIPCP BA. To summarize fish endpoints in Exhibit 6-25 relevant to ESA listed
species, LC50s for Chinook salmon range from 23 ppm to > 150 ppm and > l 00 ppm for coho
salmon. In a study commissioned by CDBW from 2014 to 2017, Stillway and Teh (2017)
reported a wide range of acute effects to fish species ranging from NOEC for growth and
survival effects at the highest concentration tested {NOEC > 500 ppm) for rainbow trout.
Figure 3 provides an illustration of endothall estimated EECs and LC50, NOEC, and LOEC
levels for reptile surrogate and fish species. The upper left hand comer of the figure illustrates
the maximum application concentrations of 5 ppm (5,000 ppb) as well as the likely application
concentration of 2 ppm (2,000 ppb ). The NPDES permit limit for endothall in receiving waters is
100 ppb. Figure 3 illustrates some overlap between the lowest {most conservative) fish toxicity
endpoints and the highest (most conservative) application concentration allowed. The lowest
chronic fish endpoint observed is impaired weight for the fathead minnow at 3.1 ppm and NOEC
for Chinook salmon at~ 3.5 ppm are within the range of maximum EEC values and maximum
application concentration.
.. "''
--
l f f �--� ,.._.......,_. �C30 .MX'C I.OCe
...... ·�t�·-=
,-...., �---I.C'IO.N::IK LGEC,5ClS . .,,.__ wu, I --u:so.HOU.LOEC
l#iN3th#:111 _l_.__. _____ l
, _ __! 1-....l --l!--
,...
HOEC LaD LGECICZS --NOEC. LOC<. ECS
,. ...
......
(Owl (Nr)
MW.lhi+id9Hhii L-i
1JII00.000 10.000.DCO
...... -fll'ICIPOl-Loa--I • ....,.,_., .. ,. I
Figure 3. Exposure concentrations for amphibian surrogate and fish species endpoint effects for
endothall (µg/L or ppb, CDBW 2017).
40
1 � ...... ,-n.., ---
--_, I -�
,.._. .............. .
.........., 1.C!IO ..... ...._,\.OU , ""'"i 1 1 r,-•ao lL-!1--·----
......... ...... ... 1.es1 _,.._._,....... ..... ...
llllml ,_-__ -_ ... _-_______ ._-_-_-_, ___ !_,_-_...,., ____ i'
.. ...
__ _z ' I l lr---L , .... ....,_.LC(( ............ ,..... ....
.......... 9 ..._......,_lm.t: ......,,._lc::,Q .. . . !
---·-.,,...__ ,.. __ .__ I·--.. -I
Figure 4. Exposure concentrations for amphibian surrogate and fish species endpoint effects for
flumioxazin (µg/L or ppb, CDBW 2017).
Flotpyrauxifen-benzyl
The relatively new herbicide ingredient tlorpyrauxifen-benzyl was approved by USEP A in 2016 as a
reduced risk herbicide, and is under consideration for aquatic use in California by the California
Department of Pesticide Regulation and the State Water Resources Control Board. Grue and Crosson
(2017) found no observable effects to Chinook fry and smolts exposed to 50 ppb and 100 ppb
Procellacor® (active ingredient tlorpyrauxifen-benzyl), respectively, for 96 hours. To supplement the
lack of data on florpyrauxifen-benzyl effects to aquatic organisms, CDBW commissioned a study
from 20 14-2017 to evaluate the acute and chronic endpoints of florpyrauxifen-benzyl for rainbow
trout. In that study, all 96-hour acute and 7-day (i.e., chronic test) endpoints for rainbow trout and
fathead minnows exceeded the highest concentration of 100 ppm, with the exception of a NOEC of 50 ppm for rainbow trout and a NOEC of 50 ppm for fathead minnows (Stillway and Teh 2017). A
detailed summary of the results are provided in Exhibit 6-31 of the AIPCP BA.
Figure 5 shows no overlap between the FA V EECs and toxicity data points for florpyrauxifen-benzyl,
but some overlap between SAV EECs (20-50 ppb) and fish acute endpoints for sheepshead minnow,
fathead minnow and rainbow trout. 1be lowest fish acute endpoint (survival) concentration of 13 ppb
was observed for rainbow trout using the technical grade florpyrauxifen-benzyl (i.e., active ingredient)
as opposed to product fonnulations ( active and inert ingredients). Additional tests on rainbow trout and
fathead minnow used the product fonnulation and found no chronic effects at the highest concentration
(100,000 ppb) tested. Similarly, no chronic effects were identified at the two highest concentrations
tested (50,000 and 100,000 ppb) for the two fish species.
There are few published toxicity data points for florpyrauxifen-benzyl and to our knowledge, no
peer-reviewed studies, which creates some uncertainty regarding the magnitude of effect to fish.
43
CDBW will continue to actively research the literature to understand potential direct and indirect
on fish species. If approved for use in California and if used in the AIPCP, CDBW will collect
data and monitor florpyrauxifen-benzyl in DIZs to evaluate the effects to aquatic organisms as a
result of herbicide appJications.
Given the low levels at which rainbow trout are affected by florpyrauxifen-benzyl, acute effects to
endpoints at various life stages (juvenile growth and survival are within the range of SA V
application concentration), the lack of data on effects to surrogates for Chinook salmon and
sDPS green sturgeon, and the co-occurrence of listed species in the action area; juvenile and
adult winter-run Chinook salmon, yearling CV spring-run, juvenile and adult CCV steelhead,
and all life stages of sDPS green sturgeon are likely to experience adverse physiological effects
(i.e., reduced growth and survival), as a result offlorpyrauxifen-benzyl exposure.
,,,,,
..
-
.............. �lrwt ...... ....,...,.....,� ----l ---\.C!J0.-.1.0lC mma -� , ________________ , f ·---l
...
..._. ....... LCO;..aEt.lOGC.� .__.,....._ _.__..LCIO.LOEC,a:b. ...,._,.....,N0K ..._.....,.ltao.NOlC.LOB:i.lC2S
l'ffll'ADI L-l
--
C¥9hi43Pi3¥#
.,.. ...
... .. -� �
10,00l,OCO ··-·-,.. __ ,...__ l•--.. DIWI Figure 5. Exposure concentrations for amphibian surrogate and fish species endpoint effects for
florpyrauxifen-benzyl (µg/L or ppb, CDBW 2017).
Adjuvants and Tank Mixtures
USDA and CDBW will use the adjuvants Competitor and Agridex, which have been used
previously in the EDCP, WHCP and SCP. There has been relatively little research on the toxic
effects of adjuvants. For rainbow trout, the non-ionic adjuvant Agridex has a 96-hour LCS0
> 1,000 ppm. The vegetable oil-based adjuvant Competitor has a 96-hour LCSO of 95 ppm for
rainbow trout. In addition, USDA and CDBW will incorporate the deposition aid Cygnet Plus.
For fish species, Cygnet Plus has a wide range of96-hour LCS0s (9 ppm and 30.2 ppm, Haller
and Stocker 2003). If approved for aquatic use by CDPR, USDA and CDBW will incorporate
Break-Thru SP 133. This new product has very little toxicity data available; however, the
44
manufacturer reports an LC50 exceeding 1,000 ppm for rainbow trout (Evonik 2016). Exhibit 6-
33 in the AIPCP BA summarizes toxicity data for the four proposed adjuvants.
CDBW commissioned studies of Agridex and Competitor to supplement the available literature
and better understand toxicity effects on listed species. For rainbow, Stillway and Teh (2017b)
determined that Agridex alone had no significant impact on acute (96 hour) or chronic (7-day)
survival and weight endpoints, respectively. For Cygnet Plus, acute LC50s for rainbow trout were
8.8 ppm; the acute NOECs was 6.250 ppm and the acute LOECs was 12.500 ppm (Stillway and
Teh 2017b). Similarly, in chronic 7-day tests, rainbow trout elicited similar lethal (LC50 9.396
ppm) and sublethal responses (impaired weight, chronic EC25s > 3. 125 ppm (Stillway and Teh
2017b ). From 2007 to 2016, DBW collected 309 water samples for Agridex residue analysis, and
alJ samples had non-detectable concentrations (<100 ppm) of Agridex. In 2015, CDBW analyzed
eight water samples for Competitor residue, all samples had non-detectable concentrations ( <100
ppm). CDBW will monitor the concentrations of each adjuvant used in the AIPCP.
As described in Section 6 of the AIPCP BA, USDA and CDBW may use tank mixes of the
herbicides and adjuvants included in the AIPCP, in compliance with label requirements. The
components of tank mixes can have additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects on listed
species. For example, Matthiessen (1988) studied the toxicity of various fungicide and herbicide
tank mixes on rainbow trout -when compared to the expected additive toxicity that might be
expected from the individual components -tank mixture toxicity values ranged from half of the
expected additive toxicity values to 1.4 times than what would be expected (Matthiessen 1988).
To better understand the effects of tank mixes that might be used in the AIPCP on listed fish
species, CDBW commissioned a study from 2014-2017 to evaluate the toxicity of various
mixtures on rainbow trout and fathead minnows. Stillway and Teh (2017b) evaluated the
following tank mixes for rainbow trout:
•Imazamox + carfentrazone-ethyl + Agridex
•Fluridone + endothall
•Glyphosate + flumioxazin + Agridex
•Penoxsulam + Agridex4
None of the above tank mixes elicited effects on rainbow trout or fathead minnows for the 96-
hour acute toxicity test or the 7-day chronic tests rainbow trout (Stillway and Teh 2017b).
Fathead minnows did not exhibit significant effects on 7-day survival in these mixtures, but did
exhibit statistically significant effects to growth in the chronic tests (Stillway and Teh 2017b}.
The authors conclude that survival of the two tested fish species was not negatively affected by
the tank mixtures, and reported no evidence of additive effects to fish from the tank mix
components (Stillway and Teh 2017b).
Bioaccumulation of Herbicides and Adjuvants
The AJPCP is not likely to result in effects due to bioaccumulation of herbicides. Bioaccumulation
is an increase in the concentration of a chemical in a biological organism over time, compared to
the chemical's concentration in the environment. Compounds accumulate in organisms whenever
4 Acute test (96-hour) were only analyzed for Delta smelt larvae due to the effects of Penoxulam on listed Delta smelt.
45
(i.e.,
In addition, CDBW employees and contractors will be trained and qualified to survey the site
prior to using all equipmen t associated with physical and mechanical removal. Surface
excavators, harvesters, cutters and shredders will not be used if listed or sensitive species are
present. CDBW will review ongoing fish survey data, and evaluate the historical fish
presence/absence maps provided in Section 12 of the AIPCP BA when selecting sites for
mechanical harvesting (including excavators, harvesters, cutters, and shredders). However,
because of the location of the activity (sloughs and along river banks that are nurseries for
invertebrate forage base), timing of the proposed activity, and potential for all listed fish to be
present in the action area; these activities are likely to result in injury or mortality of the listed
species.
2.5.4 Biological Controls
Effects analyses for listed fish species assume that the biocontrol agents will be present throughout
the year. Actual exposure of the fish to the water hyacinth planthopper and the water hyacinth
weevil is likely to vary greatly based on 10-fold or greater spatial and temporal variation in
abundance of the weevil N bruchi in the Delta (Hopper et al. 2017). Exposure is also likely to
depend on similar seasonal variation documented for the water hyacinth planthopper near Folsom,
California (Moran et al. 2016), in addition to the substantial and well-documented seasonal and
spatial variation in fish presence in the Delta, its tributaries, and Suisun Marsh.
USDA and CDBW commissioned feeding studies at the UC-Davis using rainbow trout as a
surrogate for Chinook salmon. NMFS used these 96-hour feeding studies conducted by UC-Davis
on juvenile rainbow trout to evaluate the potential effects on listed species. Fish were fed 1.5
percent of their respective body weights: 1) formulated diet (control), 2) planthopper, 3) weevil,
and 4) a fasting treatment was included as a comparison. Fish were evaluated for survival,
success of feeding, and growth determinations by ribonucleic acid/deoxyribonucleic acid
(RNA/DNA) analysis. Gut content analysis showed juvenile rainbow trout consumed both
weevils and planthoppers. In preliminary tests, larval rainbow trout (used as a surrogate species for
Chinook salmon and steelhead) rejected water hyacinth planthoppers for feeding. Juvenile rainbow
trout are more likely to accept the planthopper as food. Subsequent tests found no significant
effects in RNA/DNA growth indicators in the fish as compared to control fish (Stillway and Teh
2017). It should be noted that the short-term 96-hr study is insufficient to evaluate the nutritional
status of planthopper and weevil for rainbow trout. (Still way and Teh 2017).
Winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, and CCV steelhead, threatened,
juveniles and adults may feed on terrestrial insects; however, given the timing and location of
treatment these fish are not expected to feed on weevil and planthoppers. Southern distinct
population segment of green sturgeon preferentially feed on benthic aquatic crustaceans and
gastropods, and not terrestrial insects. Feeding on the water hyacinth weevil or water hyacinth
planthopper is therefore not expected to occur.
Integration with other control methods in the AIPCP
Glyphosate and 2,4-D show no toxicity to water hyacinth weevils (Haag 1986, Jadhav et al. 2008,
Moran 2012). Direct exposure of M scutellaris and N eichhorniae to herbicides will be avoided
4:s
at long-term monitoring sites. The existing biocontrol agent (N. bruchi) will be augmented at sites
that cannot be treated with herbicide or mechanical methods, or other sites in marinas that are not
typically prioritized for herbicide and mechanical control early in the season.
Analysis of N. eichhorniae and M. scutellaris dispersal will take into account history of herbicide
application within the sampling year at all sampling sites. At sites where herbicide has been
applied, elevated densities of both biocontrol agents are expected on plants that could not be
sprayed due to the water intake buffer. Although herbicide doses applied by CDBW in the AIPCP
are not likely to be sublethal, studies on Neochetina spp, weevils have shown that sublethal
application of 2,4-D and glyphosate alters plant growth and/or quality in ways that increase weevil
populations (Wright and Bourne 1990, Jadhav et al. 2008). Over time the release of new and re
established biological control agents is expected to reduce the number of treatment sites and re
treatment acres for herbicide control, and the volume of water hyacinth that must be mechanically
removed.
The negative effects of herbicide bioaccumulation in biological control agents and the direct
impact on listed fish species are extremely unlikely to occur due to the nature and limited scope
of the activities. The potential negative effects would be discou ntable to federally listed winter
run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, juvenile and adult CCV steelhead, and all
life stages of sDPS green sturgeon based on the following information:
•treatment will focus on specific locations where herbicide and mechanical control are
excluded to minimize the combined negative effects of herbicide and mechanical
treatment methods on listed species; and
•biological release sites and numbers of ad ults (1000) and nymphs (5,000) released per
site will be relatively small, will only occur in DIZs, and are not expected to co-occur
with listed species presence, thus adverse effects are unlikely to occur.
NMFS expects that any negative effects of the biological control treatments will be outweighed by
the long-term benefits to species. Although it is possible that rainbow trout may eat the insects in
the Delta, its tributaries, and the Suisun March if food availability is limited, the limited number of
biocontrol releases in the action area make it likely that any impacts on the food web would be
insignificant, thus adverse effects to listed fish are unlikely to occur. However, biological control
methods may positively affect listed species when they co-occur in the treatment area. Weevils
and planthoppers may serve as prey items for juvenile and adult salmonids.
2.5.5 Boat Operations
Operations of the boats used to deploy and retrieve the equipment in the action area may cause
sediment to be resuspended from the channel bottom and banks due to propeller wash, wakes,
and anchoring. Resuspended sediment increases turbidity, may resuspend contaminants in the
channel sediments, smother organisms and plants in the waterways, and reduce primary and
secondary production by blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis. In addition, boats can be a
source of chemical contaminants and sound pollution (PFMC 2014) that may affect aquatic
systems and organisms. However, boats will be maintained in good condition so that the engines
are operating at optimal performance with no fluid leaks or discharges to the water. This will
49
reduce or eliminate potential contaminants from entering the water due to their operations via
exhausts or leaks.
Boats will be operated in such a way as to reduce wakes and prop wash where sediments can be
resuspended from the banks or from the channel bottoms. Boats will not be operated so that large
wakes are generated in confined areas of the channel or in shallow waters where the prop wash
can interact with the channel bottom and resuspend sediment.
NMFS expects that any negative effects of the AIPCP will be outweighed by the long-term
benefits to species. These benefits would be derived through enhancements to estuarine habitat
quality, potential increase in prey availability, reduced predation hotspots, and improved passage
and migration opportunities throughout the Delta, its tributaries and Suisun Marsh. PFMC (2005)
suggests that nonnative plant invasions may increase food resources for Chinook salmon that
feed on invertebrates in the water column or on the surface. However, macrophyte mats that
cover significant spatial area can also be responsible for negative impacts on fish (Shultz and
Dibble 2011). Given that most of the Delta salmonids historic habitat is either gone, not
accessible or no longer functional, it is unknown whether the AIPCP would have much direct
benefit to their food resources. However, experimental evidence from Donley Marineau et al.
(2017) on glyphosate treatment of FA V in the central Delta demonstrated that herbicide
treatment did not significantly reduce the densities of zooplankton found in and around water
hyacinth mats. Therefore, it is unclear how removal of FA V /SA V through the AIPCP might
impact the availability of some food sources, like phytoplankton. For glyphosate and water
hyacinth, copepods and other zooplankton were not significantly reduced by AIPCP activities
(Donley Marineau et al. 2017); thus further studies are needed to evaluate the possible increase
in prey availability as a result of the AIPCP.
Because dense invasive vegetation tends to provide habitat for predatory fishes, such as
largemouth bass, the removal of those plant infestations will reduce predation on sensitive
species. Previous research indicates that Egeria densa is an ecosystem engineer (Champion and
Tanner 2000, Brown 2003), which is defined as "a species that directly or indirectly modulates
the availability of resources (other than themselves) by causing physical state changes in biotic
or abiotic materials" (Jones et al. 1994, Drexler 2006). Egeria densa is a major agent of
ecosystem change, altering basic abiotic properties of ecosystems, which results in increased
predation on and competition for native fishes. Egeria densa reduces water velocity, increases
sedimentation, and increases water clarity (Conrad et al. 2011). The increase in water clarity
likely favors visual, lie-in-wait predators such as largemouth bass (Conrad et al.2011).
Rapid. growth and invasion of aquatic invasive plants reduces open water habitat and impairs
wetlands and sensitive riparian habitats, altering the natural food web. The AIPCP may benefit
Delta salmonids (winter-run, CV spring-run and CCV steelhead) and sDPS green sturgeon as
well by improving passage to migration corridors. The availability of unobstructed migratory
corridors is of great importance to both Delta salmonids and sDPS green sturgeon. AIPCP
activities will likely benefit both of these groups' movement during migration by eliminating
macrophyte barriers to flow (riverine and tidal) as well as physical obstructions in the migratory
paths of the fish themselves. As a benthic fish, green sturgeon may particularly benefit from the
AIPCP activities that address SAV.
50
appreciably the likelihood of both the survival and recovery of a 'listed species in the wild by
reducing its numbers, reproduction, or distribution.
2. 7 .1 Summary of the Status of the Species. Environmental Baseline and Effect of the Action to
Listed Species
The action area currently has returning populations of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring
run Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon. As described earlier (in StaJus
of the Species Section 2.2), populations of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook
salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon have experienced significant declines in
abundance and available habitat in California's Central Valley relative to historical conditions.
The current status of listed salmon ids and green sturgeon within the action area, based upon their
risk of extinction, has not significantly improved since the species were listed (Good et al. 2005,
NMFS 20 l 6a-c ). These severe declines in populations over many years, and in consideration of
the degraded environmental baseline, demonstrate the need for actions which will assist .in the
recovery of all of the ESA-listed species in the action area, and that if measures are not taken to
reverse these trends, the continued existence of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run
Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and the sDPS green sturgeon will continue to be at risk. The
current extinction risk for each species was described in section 2.2 above.
As described in the effects section (Section 2.5), the proposed action is likely to negatively affect
various life stages of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV
steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon, including rearing and emigrating juveniles, and migrating
adults, as summarized below.
Herbicide Treatment Effects
During herbicide treatment, given the short length of exposure (i.e. 36 hours) to sublethal
herbicide concentrations and the timing during which juveniles forage and rear and adults
migrate within the action area, a small proportion of juvenile and adult winter-run Chinook
salmon, yearling CV spring-run Chinook salmon, juvenile and adult CCV steelhead, and all life
stages of sDPS green sturgeon are expected to experience adverse physiological effects (i.e.,
reduced growth and survival) as a result of the direct application of and exposure to herbicides
containing the active ingredients carfentrazone-ethyl, endothall, flumioxazin, and florpyrauxifen
benzyl.
As previously mentioned in Section 2.5, herbicide application associated with the use of active
ingredients carfentrazone-ethyl, endothall, flumioxazin, and tlorpyrauxifen-benzyl are likely to
result in acute and chronic sublethal impacts which may result in adverse physiological
(impaired chemical signaling) and behavioral effects (reductions in both swimming behavior and
rate at which salmon consume prey, and avoid predators), to salmonids and green sturgeon.
Short-term and long-term sublethal exposure of listed species to carfentrazone-ethyl, endothall,
flumioxazin, and florpyrauxifen-benzyl, when applied as proposed, may result in reduced salmon
growth, which may in tum reduce individual salmon survival. However, based on the proposed
timing, location, and duration of application, the herbicide applications pose a low risk to
52
Joaquin River when the abundance of individual salmon, steelhead and green sturgeon is high
and is expected to result in low-to-medium levels ofinjury or death (Table 3).
Table 3. Integration and synthesis of herbicide, physical and mechanical control treatment
effects including the environmental baseline and cumulative effects.
Juvenile: Low-Winter-nm Mid Nov -E.xpected (Basalt and
Jw,e; acute and Porous uiva); Adults Jan.-chronic publicalions spring-nm (Basalt May exposme to effea to a and exposw-cto a and Porous Lava, (winter-nm herbicide small quantitative small proportion Nolthwestcrn Chinook active proponion laboratory of juveniles. California. Delta, its salmon.CV ingredients . ofJuvenlles studies N011hern Sierra lributanes, Chinook, which maybe and adults Nevada); CCV and Suisun and CCV delayed. steelhcad (Basalt Marsh stcelhcad; Porous Lava year-round Nonhwestem all life-California. history Nonhern Sierra stages Nevada. Southern green Sierra Nevada); sturgeon and sDPS green
Slllr n Jan-June, Injury or Low-High-Reduced Low-CCV steelhead Juveru1e/ monality Expected Multiple SUJVival Considering the (Nonhcrn Sierra adult CCV caused by acute effect teduucal condition of Ille Nevada and stcelhcad. cutters, to small publ1cat1ons. baseline. Southern Sierra and year-shRdders, and proponion includint! location of the Nevada): and round all conveyor built of juvenile quantitative aa1on, d1rea sDPS green life history system which and adults. fish and and 1nd1=t sturgeon stages maybe mvertebrate efferu are
green instantaneous surveys expected for sturgeon or delayed. juvenile and adults,
Sept-Dec. lnJUl'Y or Low-High-Reduced Low-Winter-nm All life monality E.xpectcd Nursery for survival Considering the (Basalt and stages of caused by acute effect invenebratc condition of the Porous l..tva): sal1110nand cutters, to small forage base, baseline, spring-run (Basalt steelhead, shRdders. and proportion multiple location of lhe and Porous Lava. year-round conveyor built of JUYerule 1ec:bnlcal action, direci Nonhwestem all life system which and adults. publications. andindi=t Cahfomia. history maybe including effects are Nonhern Siena
I stages instantaneous quantitative cxpcacd for Nevada): CCV
green or delayed fish and juvenile and steelhcad (Basalt sturgeon invcrtcbrarc adults. Porous Lava
surveys, Nonhwestem California,
Nonhcrn Stem
Nevada, Southern Siena Nevada);
and sDPS green n
July-Nov. Jnjlll)'Or Lo-High-Reduced Low-Winter-nm juvenile 1110nality E.xpcacd Nursery for survival Co11S1denng the (Basalt Porous winter-run, caused by acutecffea invcrtebiate condition of the Lava): all extant yearling cutters, lo small forage base, baseline, populations of spring-nm, shreddeTS, and propomon multiple location of the spring-run in lhe CCV conveyor built of juvenile technical action, direct Sacramento River steelhead. system which and adults. publications, and indirect basin, and CCV and maybe including effects are steelhead year-round instamaneous quantitative expected for (Northern Siena all life-or delayed fish and juvenile and Nevada); and htstoiy invertebrate adults. sDPS green stages surveys. srurgcon green
_s:ttm: con
Aug-Dec. Injury or High-Reduced Low Wm1cr-run Adult CCV monalily Nursery for survival Cons1dcnng 1hc (Basal1 and Lava stcelhead. caused by 1nvenebrate condition of1he Porous); adull cutters, furage base, baseline, all exlant winter-nm. shredders and mul e location of the ations of
54
yearling spring-run,
year-round
all hfc-instantaneous history or delayed.
stages
grcco
sfllrCCOO
J-Mar Injury or
adull mortality
winier-run. caused by
Fcb.-May cutters,
all life shrcddm, and history conveyor bwll
stages of S)'S1CIII wbtch
sp ring -fUll, maybe
year-round instantaneous
all life-or delayed.
stages hlSfO,Y
green
sturgeon.
Sq,t.-Mar Injury or
adult CCV mortality
steelhead. caused by
Jan-June cutters,
CCV $hreddcrs, and
steelhead, conveyor built
year-round sys1em which .all life maybe
stages instantaneous
green or delayed. eon.
-All species lnJury or
and life-mortality
history caused by
stages cutters,
present shmldcrs, and
salmon. convey01 buil1
, Sleclhead, sysicm which
and green m11ybe
sturgeon. instantaneous
or delayed
Low-Expcclcd
acute effcc1 lo a
rnargmal
propor1)00 , ofjuveniles
and adulls,
Low-Expected acute effect
loa
marginal proporlion
of juveniles
and adults .
Low-Expected
acuce effect to small proportion of juvenile and adults.
pubhcalions ,
including quanrilalivc fish and invertebrate surveys.
Low-Llmilcd
lechmcal publicalions
and quanriealrvc
fish and invertebrate
surveys.
Low-Limited
technical publicallOns and qlJIJlritalive fish and invel1cbrale
surveys.
High-Multiple technical publica11ons, including
quaatilllive fislund invcrtcbnre smveys,
Reduced survival
Reduced
swvival
Reduced sumval
None-Low Considering
localion action, maiginal effects
uc expected for
juverulc and adults.
None-Low
Cons1dcnng
locahon action. marginal effects ue expected for
juvenile and adults
LowConsidenng the condit,on of the
baseline, location of the action, direct and indirect effects are
expected for juvmile and
adults.
51be magnitude of the overaU effect includes proposed action, baseline, and cumulative effects.
*The DCC Gates are closed from December through May.
Biological Controls Effects
spring-llUI m lhe
Sacrwnento River basin spring-run
and CCV steelhead
(Nonhem Sierra Nevada). and
sDPSgm,n
srurgeon
Winter-run
(Basalt Porous
Lava): spring-nm (Northern Sierra Nevada, Southern
Siemt Nevada); llJld sDPS green
s1Uri:eon
CCV steclhead
(Southern Siemt
Nevada)and sDPS green
SIUl"geon
Winier-nm (Basal! and
' Porous Lava), spring-llUI (Basalt and Porous Lava. Nonhwcstem
California, Northern Siemt
Nevada); CCV steelhead (Basalt
Porous Lava Northwestern
California. Northern Sicmt
Nevada, Souchem Siena Nevada), and sDPS green
$1\&f n
As previously mentioned in 2.5.4, actual exposure of the fish to the water hyacinth planthopper and
the water hyacinth weevil is likely to vary and depend on similar seasonal, in addition to the
substantial and well-documented seasonal and spatial variation in fish presence in the Delta, its
tributaries, and Suisun Marsh.
A small proportion of juvenile and adult winter-run Chinook salmon, yearling CV spring-run
Chinook salmon, juvenile and adult CCV steelhead, and al1 life stages of sDPS green sturgeon
may feed on terrestrial insects; however, given the timing and location of treatment these fish are
not expected to feed on weevil and planthoppers. Southern distinct population segment of green
sturgeon preferentially feed on benthic aquatic crustaceans and gastropods, and not terrestrial
insects. NMFS expects that any negative effects of the biological control treatments will be
outweighed by the long-term benefits to species. The limited number of biocontrol releases in the
action area make it likely that any impacts on the food web would be insignificant, thus adverse
effects to listed fish are unlikely to occur.
ESUIDPS
As identified in Section 2.2, the ESUs/DPSs that may be affected by the AIPCP reside in the
Basalt and Porous Lava, Northwestern California, Northern Sierra Nevada, and Southern Sierra
Nevada diversity groups of the Central Valley. NMFS considered the direct and indirect effects
of the AI PCP in the context of the overall risk of extinction. Given the size of the action area,
AIPCP projects will expose populations of the four species considered in this opinion to
sublethal herbicide concentrations, and physical and mechanical removal activities in the Delta,
its tributaries, and the Suisun Marsh. Individual fish will respond to that exposure in different
ways depending on their life history stage at the time of exposure. That, in tum, will determine
(1)the duration of exposure (i.e., rearing fish are exposed longer than migrating fish), (2) the
pathways of exposure (e.g., water quality or prey), and (3) the nature of the effect (e.g., juveniles
more likely to experience latent sublethal effects, returning adults more likely to have olfactory
detriments that can impair homing ability).
Given these factors, we expect that the populations of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring
run, and CCV steelhead are likely to have the greatest level of exposure and response in the
Delta, it tributaries and the Suisun Marsh due the location and timing of the control activities, the
pathway of exposure for juvenile and adult salmonid species, and the nature of the effects ( e.g.
observed sublethal herbicide effects). All life history stages of sDPS green sturgeon are likely to
have the longest period of exposure, based on their migratory and rearing behaviors in the
Sacramento River and the Delta. The responses are likely to include impainnents to growth for
some individuals, reduced reproduction and survival, and injury or death for some individuals
among each of the species considered
It is important to note that delays of benefits to listed species increase risk to survival and
recovery. For listed fish, open channel habitat conditions and shoreline habitat conditions are
temporarily worsened by the removal of invasive and non-native vegetation compared to the
environmental baseline due to increases in turbidity and the loss of shade and cover resulting in
negative effects such as reduced survival from increased predation. As identified in Section 2.5,
NMFS expects that any negative effects of the AIPCP will be outweighed by the long-term
benefits to species. These benefits would be derived through enhancements to estuarine habitat
quality, potential increase in prey availability, reduced predation hotspots, and improved passage
and migration opportunities throughout the Delta, its tributaries and Suisun Marsh.
56
(i.e.,
exempt from the take prohibitions of the ESA through compliance with the terms and conditions
of this ITS.
2.9.1 Extent of Take
NMFS cannot, using the best available information, quantify the anticipated incidental take as a
result of the proposed action of individual winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook
salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon because the population size, timing of
migration, and individual habitat use varies for each species in the action area .. In addition,
detection of killed or injured individuals is unlikely to occur or be effective without extensive
impracticable site monitoring efforts. Therefore, this ITS will use ecological surrogates to
describe the expected extent of take due to the proposed action. Surrogates are used for this ITS
since it is not practical to quantify the number of individuals of listed species exposed to the
proposed action, but it is reasonably certain that those individuals that are exposed will incur
some level of adverse response to the exposure resulting in take as defined under the ESA. In the
ITS, NMFS will explain the causal link between the surrogate and the expected response from
the exposed listed species; the reason why quantifying the amount of individuals exposed to the
action (i.e., take) is impractical to measure; and finally, establish a clear standard as to when take
is exceeded (the surrogate parameter).
We have identified treatment acreage limits and DO criteria as ecological surrogates for take
associated with sublethal herbicide levels that reduce fish growth and survival and increase
vulnerability to predation; and physical removal and mechanical harvest activities that injure or
kill fish.
•NMFS expects mixing zones (initial zone of dilution) in sloughs and backwater areas to
have higher herbicide concentrations for up to 36 hours in order for the target plant
species to be exposed to the proposed maximum herbicide concentrations. The zone of
dilution is directly related to the extent of habitat affected and harm to juvenile rearing
and migrating subadults and adult species in the area of altered habitat. The sublethal
herbicide concentrations are identified in Figures 2-5. The habitat surrogate for the extent
of incidental take is the zone of dilution, which is the area 25% greater than the total
herbicide treatment site acreage, and limited to 36 hours. Any exceedances of the 15,000
treatment acres per year for all SA V, EA V, and F AV described in the AI PCP BA will be
considered exceeding the extent of incidental take described in this ITS.
•Enumeration of death, injury, and harm as a result of physical removal and mechanical
harvest is difficult because it involves fish that are beneath the aquatic invasive species
mats, those that are injured or removed, and caught as bycatch. NMFS has identified the
maximum physical removal and mechanical harvest acreage to be treated as a surrogate
for this type of take. The physical removal and mechanical harvest treatment acreage is
directly related to the extent of habitat affected, and harm to juvenile rearing and
migrating subadults and adult species in the area of altered habitat. In any given year
(2018-2022), the habitat surrogate for the extent of incidental take from physical removal
and mechanical harvest treatment acreage is not to exceed 200 acres. Any exceedances of
this parameter will be considered exceeding the extent of incidental take described in this
ITS.
58
•We assumed that post treatment DO will temporarily decrease in the treatment site below
background DO concentrations, and at concentrations below 2 mg/L listed fish species
will not be present. The habitat surrogate for the extent of incidental take from DO is a
DO concentration at 5 mg/L. Fish exposed to DO levels below 5 mg/L for extended
periods are usually compromised in their growth and survival (Piper et al 1982). NMFS
expects that fish will generally avoid areas with extensive infestations of invasive plants
due to the decreased ambient levels of DO in the water column. DO below 5 mg/L will be
considered exceeding the extent of incidental take described in this ITS.
In some years, due to hydrological conditions, it will not be possible to meet the acreage limits or
DO criteria. When such specific conditions are expected to occur, these will be identified as
conference years. In conference years, an OMP will be developed to address that year's specific
conditions and to minimize the effects of the AIPCP on listed anadromous fish species. There
will be a tiered consultation for conference year OMPs, which will include an ITS for that year's
specific conditions. In conference years, implementation of the OMP for that year, as approved
by NMFS, will be considered the surrogate for that conference year. As long as there is no
deviation from the conference year OMP.
If any specific parameter of these ecological surrogates are exceeded, the anticipated incidental
take levels are also exceeded, which would trigger the need to reinitiate consultation on the
proposed AIPCP.
In the biological opinion, NMFS determined that incidental take is reasonably certain to occur as
follows:
Herbicide Control Methods
NMFS considers that it is likely juvenile, adult and sub adult salmonids and green sturgeon will
be present in the areas where herbicides are applied to waters of the Delta. Therefore, NMFS
anticipates incidental take of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV
steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon due to sublethal effects caused by the application of
herbicides to waters of the Delta. Any incidental take resulting from the AIPCP will most likely
be limited to emigrating juveniles, and migrating adults of Chinook salmon and steelhead and all
life stages of green sturgeon present in the action area during the operational herbicide treatment
season of the AIPCP. The incidental take is expected to be in the form of injury, harassment, and
harm as a result herbicide levels that reduce fish growth and survival and increase vulnerability
to predation.
The number of winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and
sDPS green sturgeon directly and indirectly taken will be difficult to quantify because dead and
injured individuals will be difficult to detect and recover. Since acute exposure of sDPS green
sturgeon to the herbicides is likely to be greater in duration than that of the listed salmonids,
adverse effects are expected to be more than that experienced by listed salmonids exposed to the
herbicide. Long-term exposure to low levels of herbicides may be greater for green sturgeon due
to their prolonged residency in the Delta compared to salmonids, but herbicide levels are
59
effects on ESA-listed anadromous fish species. We have not provided an incidental take
statement that addresses the adoption of a framework for the development of such future actions,
because adoption of a framework will not itself result in the take of listed species
2.9.2 Effect of the Take
In the biological opinion, NMFS determined that the amount or extent of anticipated take,
coupled with other effects of the proposed action, is not likely jeopardize the continued existence
of Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon, CV spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV
steelhead, and the Southern distinct population segment of North American green sturgeon.
2.9.3 Reasonable and Prudent Measures
"Reasonable and prudent measures" are nondiscretionary measures that are necessary or
appropriate to minimize the impact of the amount or extent of incidental take (50 CFR 402.02).
I.USDA and CDBW shall implement measures to minimize incidental take due to
chemical, physical and mechanical removal treatment methods to increase the likelihood
of survival for listed species.
2.USDA and CDBW shall submit an AIPCP Annual Report and participate in an annual
coordination meeting with NMFS by January 31 st and March 31 st, respectively, of each
year to discuss the annual report of incidental take for the preceding calendar year and
any actions that can improve minimization of the impact of the amount or extent of
incidental take under this opinion, or make the program more efficient and accountable.
In addition, USDA and CDBW shall submit an AIPCP Project Completion Report to
NMFS within 45 days of completing treatment for an AIPCP project.
3.USDA and CDBW shall monitor and report incidental take to NMFS.
2.9.4 Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions described below are non-discretionary, and the USDA or CDBW must
comply with them in order to implement the RPMs (50 CFR 402.14). USDA or CDBW has a
continuing duty to monitor the impacts of incidental take and must report the progress of the
action and its impact on the species as specified in this ITS (50 CFR 402.14). If the entity to
whom a term and condition is directed does not comply with the following terms and conditions,
protective coverage for the proposed action would likely lapse.
l.The following terms and conditions implement reasonable and prudent measure l:
a.Environmental Review
1.USDA and CDBW shall ensure that the environmental review process for
every AIPCP project covered by this opinion includes a written record of
the ESA effects determination ("no effect," "may affect, not likely to
adversely affect," "likely to adversely affect").
11.USDA and CDBW projects with a "not likely to adversely affect" or
"likely to adversely affect" ESA listed species determination shall also
61
include an OMP, as described in NMFS' Criteria for AIPCP Project
(Appendix A). USDA or CDBW shall prepare and provide NMFS with an
OMP describing how listed species in the action area would be protected
and/or monitored and to document the observed effects of the action on
listed species in the action area.
(1)USDA or CDBW must submit any OMP to NMFS for review to
ensure that the effects of carrying out the OMP are within the
range of effects considered in this opinion.
(2)NMFS will notify USDA or CDBW within 30 calendar days as to
whether or not the OMP is approved.
2.The following terms and conditions implement reasonable and prudent measure 2:
a.AIPCP Annual Report: After each implementation year, USDA or CDBW shall
provide NMFS with an AIPCP Annual Report by January 31st, submitted online at
AIPCPBiOp.wcr@noaa.gov, for NMFS to review and to determine whether the
terms and conditions set forth by NMFS were met during the prior calendar year.
Implementation of the monitoring and evaluation activities authorized under this
opinion is contingent upon receipt of this annual report. Once an annual report is
submitted to NMFS, USDA and CDBW may continue authorized activities unless
otherwise notified by NMFS. NMFS will notify USDA and CDBW if the annual
report is inadequate and more information is required. If information is requested
but not provided within 30 days, reinitiation of consultation may be warranted.
b.Annual Coordination Meeting: USDA and CDBW shall facilitate an annual
meeting with NMFS by March 31 st of each year to discuss compliance with this
opinion during the prior calendar year. The meeting topics shall include, at a
minimum, an assessment of overall program project, suggestions or modifications
to improve minimization of the impact of the amount or extent of incidental take
under this opinion or program efficiency and accountability, and any other data or
analyses USDA, CDBW, or NMFS deem necessary or helpful to assess habitat
trends resulting from actions authorized under this opinion.
c.AIPCP Project Completion Report: USDA and CDBW shall submit an AIPCP
Project Completion Report (Appendix B) to NMFS within 45 days of completing
treatment for an AIPCP project. All reports shall be submitted to
A IPCPBi Op.wcr@noaa.gov
3.The following terms and conditions implement reasonable and prudent measure 3:
a.Any Chinook salmon, steelhead or green sturgeon found dead or injured within
0.25 miles of the treatment site shall be reported immediately to NMFS via fax or
phone within 24 hours of discovery to:
Assistant Regional Administrator
NMFS California Central Valley Office
Fax: (916) 930-3629, or
Phone: (916) 930-3600
62
b.Any dead specirnen(s) shall be placed in a cooler with ice, frozen prior to
shipment and sent to: NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries
Ecology Division, 110 Shaffer Road, Santa Cruz, California 95060.
c.USDA and CDBW shall make records/log books related to implementing the
AIPCP available to any personnel from NMFS 's Office of Law Enforcement, or
CDFW Wardens, upon request for review of compliance with the terms and
conditions.
d.USDA and CDBW biologists shall carry a copy of the ITS at all times while in
the field and implementing the AIPCP.
2.10 Conservation Recommendations
Section 7(a)(l) of the ESA directs Federal agencies to use their authorities to further the
purposes of the ESA by carrying out conservation programs for the benefit of the threatened and
endangered species. Specifically, conservation recommendations are suggestions regarding
discretionary measures to minimize or avoid adverse effects of a proposed action on listed
species or critical habitat or regarding the development of information (50 CFR 402.02).
1.USDA and CDBW should continue to work collaboratively with NMFS, USFWS,
CDFW, and the Corps to identify and implement measures to reduce fisheries bycatch
during physical removal and mechanical harvest control activities.
2.USDA and CDBW should continue to support, through research, studies which evaluate
juvenile salmonid rearing and migratory behavior in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta,
including the effects of various chemicals and biocontrol methods on juvenile salmonid
survival and behavior.
3.USDA and CDBW should fund studies which evaluate how non-native species compete
with Chinook salmon, steelhead, and green sturgeon for habitat and the impacts of non
native species on the prey base for all life stages of green sturgeon.
The conservation measures listed above support critical watershed and site-specific recovery
actions identified in the ''Recovery Plan for the Evolutionarily Significant Units of winter-run,
Central Valley Spring-run Chinook Salmon, and the Distinct Population Segment of California
Central Valley Steelhead for the Central Valley" (NMFS 2014), to address threats that occur
within a migration corridor (i.e., Delta), Sacramento and San Joaquin River. Specific recovery
actions include:
•Implement and evaluate actions to minimize the adverse effects of exotic (non-native
invasive) species (plants and animals) on the aquatic ecosystem used by anadromous
salmonids.
•Implement management actions to address aquatic species, including those described in
the California Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan.
63
•Increase monitoring and enforcement to ensure that the water quality criteria established
in the Basin Plan are met for pollutants entering the main stem Sacramento River, San
Joaquin River, and the Delta (SWRCB 2007).
In addition, the conservation measures listed above support recovery actions and research
priorities identified in the "Draft Recovery Plan for the Southern Distinct Population Segment of
North American Green Sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris)" (NMFS 2018), to address threats that
occur within the Sacramento River Basin for eggs, juveniles, subadults, adults, and the San
Francisco Bay Delta Estuary for juveniles, adults, and subadults. Specific recovery actions and
research priorities include:
•Improve compliance and implementation BMPs to reduce input of point and non-point
source contaminants within the Sacramento River Basin and San Francisco Bay-Delta
Estuary.
•Conduct research to determine the toxicity of identified contaminants on green sturgeon
(e.g., physiologically) and their prey base.
•Conduct research to gain a better understanding of the prey base of all life stages of green
sturgeon and potential effect of non-native species and climate change.
•Conduct research to determine how native and non-native species compete with green
sturgeon for habitat.
NMFS requests that the USDA and CDBW inform us if any of the conservation
recommendations will be implemented.
2.11 Reinitiation of Consultation
This concludes formal consultation for USDA and CDBW programs identified in this opinion.
As 50 CFR 402. I 6 states, reinitiation of formal consultation is required where discretionary
Federal agency involvement or control over the action has been retained or is authorized by law
and if: (1) The amount or extent of incidental taking specified in the ITS is exceeded, (2) new
information reveals effects of the agency action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in
a manner or to an extent not considered in this opinion, (3) the agency action is subsequently
modified in a manner that causes an effect on the listed species or critical habitat that was not
considered in this opinion, or ( 4) a new species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be
affected by the action.
JfUSDA or CDBW fails to provide specified information annually (by January 31 of each year,
pursuant to term and condition in Section 2.9.4.2.a), reinitiation of consultation may be
warranted. In addition, if a requirement within the ITS is not met, reinitiation of consultation
may be warranted. To reinitiate consultation, contact the California Central Valley Office of
NMFS.
64
Based on this analysis, NMFS concurs with USDA that the proposed action is not likely to
adversely affect designated critical habitat for Sacramento River winter•run Chinook salmon, CV
spring-run Chinook salmon, CCV steelhead, and sDPS green sturgeon.
3.FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION ACT
The purpose of the FWCA is to ensure that wildlife conservation receives equal consideration,
and is coordinated with other aspects of water resources development (16 USC 661). The FWCA
establishes a consultation requirement for Federal agencies that undertake any action to modify
any stream or other body of water for any purpose, including navigation and drainage (16 USC
662(a)), regarding the impacts of their actions on fish and wildlife, and measures to mitigate
those impacts. Consistent with this consultation requirement, NMFS provides recommendations
and comments to Federal action agencies for the purpose of conserving fish and wildlife
resources, and providing equal consideration for these resources. NMFS' recommendations are
provided to conserve wildlife resources by preventing loss of and damage to such resources. The
FWCA allows the opportunity to provide recommendations for the conservation of all species
and habitats within NMFS' authority, not just those currently managed under the ESA and MSA.
The following recommendations apply to the AIPCP:
•NMFS incorporates the conservation recommendations provided in section 2. I 0
(Conservation Recommendations) of the preceding biological opinion as applicable and
consistent with the purposes of the FWCA.
The action agency must give these recommendations equal consideration with the other aspects of
the AIPCP so as to meet the purpose of the FWCA.
This concludes the FWCA portion of this consultation.
4.DATA QUALITY ACT DOCUMENTATION AND PRE-DISSEMINATIONREVIEW
The Data Quality Act (DQA) specifies three components contributing to the quality of a
document. They are utility, integrity, and objectivity. This section of the opinion addresses these
DQA components, documents compliance with the DQA, and certifies that this opinion has
undergone pre-dissemination review.
4.1 Utility
Utility principally refers to ensuring that the information contained in this consultation is helpful,
serviceable, and beneficial to the intended users. The intended users of this opinion are USDA.
Other interested users include CDBW. Individual copies of this opinion were provided to the
USDA and CDBW staff. This opinion will be posted on the Public Consultation Tracking
66
5. REFERENCES
Akers, R. P., R. Weaver., and M. J. Pitcairn, In review. Biological Control of Water hyacinth in
California's Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta: Observations on Establishment and
Spread.
Bakke, D. 2007. Analysis of Issues Surrounding the use of Spray Adjuvants with Herbicides.
U.S. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region. 6lpp.
Bayer Crop Science. 2004. Agridex Non-ionic Surfactant Material Safety Data Sheet.
www.bayercropscience.com.au.
Beechie, T., H. lmaki, J. Greene, A. Wade, H. Wu, G. Pess, P. Roni, J. Kimball, J. Stanford, P.
Kiffney, and N. Mantua. 2012. Restoring Salmon Habitat for a Changing Climate. River
Research and Applications.
Brown, L. R. 2003. Will Tidal Wetland Restoration Enhance Populations of Native Fishes? San
Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 1, no. I (October 2003), 1-42.
California Department of Fish and Game. 1990. Status and Management of Spring-Run Chinook
Salmon. Inland Fisheries Division, 33 pp.
California Department offish and Game. 1998. A Status Review of the Spring-Run Chinook
Salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in the Sacramento River Drainage. Candidate Species
Status Report 98-01. California Department of Fish and Game, 394 pp.
California Department offish and Game. 2012. Grandtab Spreadsheet of Adult Chinook
Escapement in the Central Valley. http://www.calfish.org/tabid/J 04/Default.aspx.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2014. Salvage Ftp Site Report. 432 pp.
California Department offish and Wildlife. 2016. Grandtab Spreadsheet of Adult Chinook
Escapement in the Central Valley.
California Department offish and Wildlife. 2017. Grandtab Spreadsheet of California Central
Valley Chinook Population Database Report.
CavalJo, B., R. Brown, D. Lee, J. Kindopp, and R. Kurth. 2011. Hatchery and Genetic
Management Plan for Feather River Hatchery Spring-Run Chinook Program. Prepared for
the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Center, T. D. and F. A. Dray Jr. 1992. Associations Between Water hyacinth weevils (Neochetina eichhorniae and N bruchi) and Phenological Stages of Eichornia crassipes in
Southern Florida. Florida Entomology 75, 196-211.
68
st
Good, T. P., R. S. Waples, and P. Adams. 2005. Updated Status of Federally Listed ESUs of
West Coast Salmon and Steelhead. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NWFSC-66.
Grue, C. and L. Crosson. 2017. Confirming the Safety of the Aquatic Herbicide, Procellacor, to
Juvenile Chinook Salmon. Final report submitted to M. Heilman, SePRO Corporation, dated
30 June 2017.
Haag, K. H. 1986. Effects of Herbicide Application on Mortality and Dispersive Behavior of the
Water hyacinth weevils, Neochetina eichhorniae and Neochetina bruchi (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae). Environmental Entomology 15, 1192-1198.
Habig, C. 2004. An Evaluation of Potential Effects ofFluridone on Pacific Salmon in the
California Delta ..
HaHer, W. T. and R. K. Stocker. 2003. Toxicity of 19 Adjuvants to Juvenile Lepomis
macrochirus (bluegiJl sunfish). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 22(3), pp. 615-
619.
Hamelink, J. L., D.R., Buckler, F. L. Mayer, D. U. Palawski, and H. 0. Sanders. 1986. Toxicity
of Fluridone to Aquatic Invertebrates and Fish. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
5()):87-94.
Hannon, J. and B. Deason. 2008. American River Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Spawning
2001 -2007. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region.
Hannon, J., M. Healey, and B. Deason. 2003. American River Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Spawning 2001 -2003. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Fish and
Game, Sacramento, CA.
Hopper, J. V., P. D. Pratt, K. F. McCue, M. J. Pitcairn, P. J. Moran, and J. D. Madsen. 2017.
Spatial and Temporal Wariation of Biological Control Agents Associated with Eichhornia
crassipes in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, California. Biological Control 111 : 13-
22.
Israel, J. A., K. J. Bando, E. C. Anderson, and B. May. 2009. Polyploid Microsatellite Data
Reveal Stock Complexity among Estuarine North American Green Sturgeon (Acipenser
medirostris). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 66(9): 1491-1504.
Jackson, Z. J. and J.P. Van Eenennaam. 2013. San Joaquin River Sturgeon Spawning Survey
2012, Final Annual Report.34.
Jadhav, A., M. P. Hill, and M. Byrne. 2008. Identification of a Retardant Dose ofGlyphosate
with Potential for Integrated Control of Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms
Laubach. Biological Control. 47:154-158.
James, W. F., J. W. Barko, and H. L. Eakin. 2000. Macrophyte Management via Mechanical
Shredding: Effects on Water Quality in Lake Champlain (Vermont-New York). APCRP
71
Technical Notes Collection ERDC TN-APCRP-MI-05), U.S. Anny Engineer Research and
Development Center, Vicksburg, MS
Jones, C., J. Lawton, and M. Shachak. 1994. Organism s as Ecosystem Engineers. Oikos 69: 3 73-
386.
Laetz, C. A., D. H. Baldwin, T. K. Collier, V. Hebert, J. D. Stark, and N. L. Scholz. 2009a. The
Synergistics Toxicity of Pesticides Mixtures: Implications for Risk Assessment and the
Conservation of Endangered Pacific Salmon. Environmental Health Perspectives 117(3):348-
353.
Laetz, C. A., D. H. Baldwin, T. K. Collier, V. Hebert, J. D. Stark, and N. L. Sch_olz. 2009b. The
Synergistics Toxicity of Pesticides Mixtures: Implications for Risk Assessment and the
Conservation of Endangered Pacific Salmon. Environmental Health Perspectives 117(3):348-
353.
Lindley, S. 2008. California Salmon in a Changing Climate.
Lindley, S. T., R. S. Schick, B. P. May, J. J. Anderson, S. Greene, C. Hanson, A. Low, D.
McEwan, R. B. Macfarlane, C. Swanson, and J. G. Williams. 2004. Population Structure of
Threatened and Endangered Chinook Salmon ESUs in California's Central Valley Basin.
Lindley, S. T., R. S. Schick, A. Agrawal, M. Goslin, T. E. Pearson, E. Mora, J. J. Anderson, B.
May, S. Greene, C. Hanson, A. Low, D. McEwan, R. B. Macfarlane, C. Swanson, and J. G.
Williams. 2006. Historical Population Structure of Central Valley Steelhead and Its
Alteration by Dams. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 4(1):19.
Lindley, S. T., R. S. Schick, E. Mora, P. B. Adams, J. J. Anderson, S. Greene, C. Hanson, B. P.
May, D. McEwan, R. B. Macfarlane, C. Swanson, and J. G. Williams. 2007. Framework for
Assessing Viability of Threatened and Endangered Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in the
Sacramento-San Joaquin Basin. San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science 5(1):26.
Lindley, S. T., M. L. Moser, D. L. Erickson, M. Belchik, D. W. Welch, E. L. Rechisky, J. T.
Kelly, J. Heublein, and A. P. Klimley. 2008. Marine Migration ofNorth American Green
Sturgeon. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 13 7(1 ): 182-194.
Lindley, S. T., M. S. M. C. B. Grimes, W. Peterson, J. Stein, J. T. Anderson,, L.W. Botsford, D.
L.Bottom, C. A. Busack, T. K. Collier, J. Ferguson, J. C. Garza,, D. G. H. A. M. Grover, R.
G. Kope, P. W. Lawson, A. Low, R. B. Macfarlane,, M. P.-Z. K. Moore, F. B. Schwing, J.
Smith, C. Tracy, R. Webb, B. K. Wells and T.H. Williams. 2009. What Caused the
Sacramento River Fall Chinook Stock Collapse?
Lindley, S. T., D. L. Erickson, M. L. Moser, G. Williams, 0. P. Langness, B. W. McCovey, M.
Belchik, D. Vogel, W. Pinnix, J. T. Kelly, J.C. Heublein, and A. P. Klimley. 2011.
Electronic Tagging of Green Sturgeon Reveals Population Structure and Movement among
Estuaries. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 140(1):108-122.
72
Sosa, A. J., M. D. R. Lenicov, R. Mariani and H. A. Cordo. 2005. Life History of Megamelus
Scutellaris with Description of Immature Stages (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Annual.
Entomology Society America 98(1 ):66-72.
Stillway, M., K. C. Hoffinann, W. Ramirez-Duarte, P. Triana Garcia, T. Kurobe, and S. Teh.
2017a. Final Draft Report for California Department of Boarding and Waterways. Project
Name: Acute and Chronic Toxicity Testing of New Herbicides and Adjuvants on Delta
Smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus. UC Davis Aquatic Health Program Laboratory. Submitted
June 30, 2017.
Stillway, M., K. Callinan Hoffmann, W. Ramirez-Duarte, P. Triana Garcia, t. Kurobe, and S.
Teh. 2017b. Final Draft Report for California Department of Boarding and Waterways.
Project Name: Acute and Chronic Toxicity Testing of New Herbicides and Adjuvants on
Delta Smelt, Hypomesus transpacificus. UC Davis Aquatic Health Program Laboratory.
Submitted June 30, 2017.
Stone, L. 1872. Report of Operations During 1872 at the United States Salmon-Hatching
Establishment on the Mccloud River, and on the California Salmonidae Generally; with a
List of Specimens Collected.
Tipping, P. W., M. R. Martin, E. N. Pokorny, K. R. Nimmo, D. L. Fitzgerald, F. A. Dray, Jr. and
T.D. Center. 2014. Current Levels of Suppression of Water hyacinth in Florida, USA.
Biological. Control 71 :65--69.
Thompson, L. C., M. I. Escobar, C. M. Mosser, D.R. Purkey, D. Yates, and P. B. Moyle. 2011.
Water Management Adaptations to Prevent Loss of Spring-Run Chinook Salmon in
California under Climate Change. Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
138(5):465-478.
U.S. Anny Corps of Engineers (Corps). 2013. Biological Assessment for the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Authorized Operation and Maintenance of Existing Fish Passage Facilities at
Daguerre Point Dam on the Lower Yuba River.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USSR). 2008. Biological Assessment on the Continued Long-Tenn
Operations of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. Department of the
Interior, 64 pp.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 2004. Overview of the Ecological Risk
Assessment Process in the Office of Pesticide Programs-Endangered and Threatened Species
Effects Determinations.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2000. Impacts ofRiprapping to Ecosystem
Functioning, Lower Sacramento River, California. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Sacramento Field Office, Sacramento, California. Prepared for US Am1y Corps of Engineers,
Sacramento
17
6.APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: NMFS Criteria for AIPCP Projects
May 14 , 2018
The following administrative elements and treatment criteria comprise actions that United States
Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service (USDA) and/or California
Department of Boating and Waterways (CDBW) shall follow for AIPCP Projects to ensure
consistency with this Opinion. Some of these elements and criteria provide additional detail
referenced in and necessary to comply with the Terms and Conditions in Section 2.9.4 of the
Opinion.
1.USDA Environmental Review: USDA and CDBW shall ensure that the environmental
review process for every AIPCP project covered by this opinion includes a written record
of the ESA effects determination ("no effect," "may affect, not likely to adversely affect,"
"likely to adversely affect"):
a.For actions that will have "no effect" on ESA-listed species or their critical
habitat, no consultation with NMFS is required.
b.Actions that are "not likely to adversely affect" (NLAA) ESA-listed species
and/or critical habitat must also include an operational management plan (OMP)
as described below. The OMP must be reviewed and approved by NMFS.
c.Actions that are "likely to adversely affect" (LAA) £SA-listed species must also
include an operational management plan (OMP) as described below. The OMP
must be reviewed and approved by NMFS.
d.For actions that are "likely to adversely affect" (LAA) critical habitat, reinitiation
of consultation is warranted.
2.NMFS Review and Approval Process: To request NMFS review and approval of an
OMP, USDA or the CDBW must submit the proposed OMP and the AIPCP Project
Notification Fonu (as described in Appendix B, Part 1 and Part 2) at least 45 days before
the anticipated completion of the environmental review for the subject action.
3.Treatment Operational Management Plan: An OMP must include the following
information:
a.All plans, maps, and AIPCP Information Form (Appendix B) must be signed by a
licensed, professional biologist.
b.A site map(s) for the action(s) that identifies all:
1.Treatment zone(s);
11.Treatment site(s);
m.Acres to be treated at each site;
iv.Treatment Methods:
1.Chemical treatment methods by type, application concentration,
and load;
2.Physical/mechanical removal methods by type and capacity;
3.Biocontrol by type, capacity and release sites
A-1
v.All drinking water intake buffers and buffer sites to the nearest receiving
water;
vi.Presence or absence of ESA-listed species; and
vii .. Conservation measures or Integrated Pest Management practices {IPMPs)
by type.
c.A description of how each conservation measure and other IPMPs wi11 minimize
impacts to ESA-listed species and their habitat (e.g., label-use restrictions or
requirements) while providing adequate treatment at each site.
d.A description of the proposed treatment activities and schedule for the treatment,
and the party responsible for implementation and contact information for the
responsible party, including the name, email address, telephone number of the
person responsible for the treatment so that NMFS may contact that person if
additional information is needed.
4.Conservation Measures and Integrated Pest Management Practices for AIPCP Projects:
AIPCP projects shall include conservation measures and IPMPs that minimize or reduce
the potential impacts to ESA-listed species and their critical habitats. Examples of
conservation measures include:
a.Avoid mechanical treatment when ESA-listed species, sensitive riparian and
wetland habitat, and other biologically important resources such as PBFs for
migratory corridors and rearing sites in critical habitat for listed species, occur
within the treatment area;
b.Follow all material safety labels for herbicide and chemical application;
c.Monitor dissolved oxygen levels pre/post treatment for all AIPCP treatment sites
over time (1 week prior to and 6 week post);
d.Collect plant fragments during and immediately following treatments;
e.Identify and utilize spoil areas for harvesting plants that are at least 50 feet away
from biologically important resources such as sensitive riparian and wetland
habitat; and
f.Follow conservation measures and integrated pest management practices for
species avoidance, equipment operation, and spoiling when conducting
mechanical harvesting operations, or when installing physical controls.
5.Demonstration Investigation Zone: When a demonstration investigation zone (DIZ)
project is necessary to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a treatment method,
USDA, CDBW and/or responsible parties must submit a Project Notice Form, and the
following requirements apply:
a.Provide specific locations, acres, and detailed study protocol for each DIZ;
b.Use herbicides approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and
the California Department of Pesticide Regulations {CDPR), and included in the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit;
c.Implement USDA and CDBW pre/post treatment water quality monitoring
protocol;
d.Document the presence of any ESA listed species or critical habitat in the DIZ;
and
e.Apply conservation measures and IPMPs to be implemented to minimize effects.
A-2
6.Project Completion Report: USDA or CDBW must submit the· AJPCP Project
Completion Report (Appendix B, Part 3) within 45 days of the end of the project. The
.Project Completion Report should inc1ude all information necessary to document that the
project was completed in compliance with the provisions of this Opinion.
7.Failure to Report May Trigger Reinitiation: NMFS may recommend reinitiation of this
consultation if USDA or CDBW fails to provide all applicable notifications, plans and
reports; fails to schedule or attend quarterly and annual meetings; or fails to implement any
of the above, including the conservation measures, as specified.
APPENDIX B: Email Guidelines and Forms
For Use with the AIPCP Programmatic Opinion
May 14, 2018
Use the AIPCP programmatic e-mail box at AIPCPBiOp .wcr@noaa.gov to request that NMFS
review and approve the operational management plan (OMP) for an AIPCP Project, to withdraw
a request for review, and to submit the project completion report forms.
The e-mail box will send you an automatic reply after receipt of any message, but you will not
receive any other communication from the programmatic e-mail box. Please direct aJI other
communications or questions to the appropriate NMFS biologist or branch chief.
Please only submit one request for review, withdrawal, or submission of a completion report per
e-mail. Please remember to attach all supporting information, including:
E-mail Subiect Line
In the subject line of the email (see below for examples), include the type of action you are
requesting (i.e., Project Notification, Withdrawal, etc.), Project Name, Applicant Name, County,
and Wateiway (to which the action will effect).
Use caution when entering the necessary information in the subject line. Not using the subject line
conventions may result in unnecessary delays to the request.
Examples:
Proiect Notification: A/PCP Project Name, Floating Aquatic Vegetation, Sacramento County, Snodgrass Slough
Withdrawal: A/PCP Project Name, Biological Control Release, Contra Costa County, Bethel Island
Proiecl Completion: A/PCP Project Name, Submerged Aquatic Vegetation,
San Joaquin County, Headreach Island, San Joaquin River
Proiect Notification and AIPCP Information Forms
USDA or the CDBW must submit a Project Notification Form, a complete AIPCP Information
Form, and a complete OMP to the AIPCP programmatic e-mail box to request that NMFS review
and approve the OMP for an AIPCP project. Submit this form to NMFS 45 days prior to the
anticipated completion of the project's environmental review. Within 7 calendar days, NMFS
will reply to the requestor, identifying which staff person is assigned to complete the review, and
within 45 calendar days, NMFS will determine whether the proposed treatment plan is approved
or not.
B-1
If asked, the consultation biologist will provide an estimate of the time necessary to complete the
review based on the complexity of the proposed action and work load considerations at the time
of the request.
Approval or denial may delayed if the Project Notification Form, the AIPCP Information Form,
or the OMP is incomplete or unsatisfactory. Please contact NMFS through the AIPCP
programmatic e-mail box early during the development phase of a project if you have any
questions about how these guidelines may affect your project.
Withdraw a Request for Review
If it is necessary to withdraw a request for review, reply to your previous e-mail, using the word
"WITHDRAWN" at the beginning of the subject line, but otherwise follow the e-mail subject
line conventions as described above. State the reason for the withdrawal in the e-mail. IfUSDA
or CDBW re-submits a request for NMFS review that has been previously withdrawn, NMFS
will process the resubmittal as if it is a new action notification.
Proiect Completion Report USDA or CDBW must submit the Project Completion Form to
NMFS within 45 days of completing treatment for an AIPCP project. Failure to submit the
Project Completion Form may result in NMFS recommending reinitiation of the programmatic
consultation.
B-2
Page 1 of 14
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Original: October 17, 2012 ● Updated: April 30, 2014
Background
Invasive species are generally defined as non-indigenous species that adversely affect economics,
environments, ecological relationships, and/or habitats where they have been introduced. The Delta
is among the most invaded ecosystems worldwide, with over 200 invasive, non-native species.
Invasive plants in the Delta include the water hyacinth, Egeria densa, and spongeplant.
The Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is designated as the lead agency of the state for the
purpose of cooperating with agencies of the United States and other public agencies in controlling
water hyacinth, Egeria densa, and spongeplant in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta, its tributaries,
and the Suisun marsh. DBW’s aquatic weed program includes the Water Hyacinth Control Program
(WHCP), Egeria densa Control Program (EDCP), and Spongeplant Control Program (SCP).
Water Hyacinth
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a non-native, free-floating aquatic macrophyte. Water
hyacinth was first reported in California in 1904, and by the early 1980s this invasive weed had
become a significant problem for agriculture, boating and recreation, and wildlife in the Sacramento-
San Joaquin Delta (Delta) and its tributaries. Water hyacinth is characterized by showy lavender
flowers and thick, highly glossy leaves up to ten inches across. The plant grows from 1 ½ to 5 feet in
height, and the floating portion of the plant can grow to more than four feet in diameter. In the Delta,
the plant is found in sloughs, connecting waterways, and tributary rivers. The growing season for
water hyacinth in the Delta is typically from March to early December. Water hyacinth spreads and
grows rapidly under favorable temperature and nutrient conditions such as those found in the Delta
in the summer months, and mats may double in surface area in six to fifteen days.
SB 1344 (Garamendi, Chapter 263, Statutes of 1982) amended the California Harbors and Navigation
Code to designate DBW as the lead agency for controlling water hyacinth in the Delta, its tributaries,
and the Suisun Marsh. DBW developed an interagency task force to coordinate the control activities of
federal, state, and local interests and to resolve problems and concerns associated with public health
and safety, and environmental impacts. DBW initiated the WHCP in 1983. The WHCP’s primary
treatment method has been chemical, supported by hand-picking, herding and biological controls.
Egeria densa
Egeria densa Planchon (Brazilian Elodea) is a submersed, non-native aquatic plant (submersed aquatic
vegetation or SAV), introduced into the Delta approximately sixty years ago. This fast growing weed
obstructs waterways, crowds out native plants, impedes anadromous fish migration and boat navigation,
slows water flows, entraps sediments, and clogs agricultural and municipal water intakes. Egeria densa
negatively impacts delta smelt by reducing turbidity and overwhelming littoral (near shore) habitats.
Egeria densa infests almost twenty percent of the Delta’s 61,619 surface acres, and is spreading at
approximately 100 acres per year. Stems of Egeria densa are usually one to two feet long, but can be
much shorter or longer, growing to over 9 feet long. The leaves are small and strap-shaped, typically about
one-inch long and one-quarter inch wide. Flowers are on short stalks about one inch above the water,
having white petals that are about ¾ inch across. Egeria densa reproduces asexually or vegetatively,
Exhibit D Attachment D
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 2 of 14
through fragmentation. Severed plant fragments regenerate into new plants capable of establishing
themselves at new locations. Most of Egeria densa’s biomass is produced near the water surface.
AB 2193 (Rainey, Chapter 728, Statutes of 1996) authorized DBW to develop a control program for
Egeria densa. DBW began treating Egeria densa in the Delta in 2001, in collaborations with the United
States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), after completing an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and obtaining the required National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) biological opinions. The EDCP’s primary treatment method has been chemical,
supported by diver assisted handpicking, diver-operated suction harvesting and benthic barriers.
Spongeplant
South American spongeplant (Limnobium laevigatum) is a non-native, prolific, floating, flowering plant
in the “frogbit” family (Hydrocharitacaea). Spongeplant was first seen in California in 1996, and was
discovered in the San Joaquin River in 2007. In 2013, spongeplant was identified in twenty locations
within the Delta. Spongeplant is a floating aquatic plant that grows in dense floating mats or rooted in
mud or wetland edges. Spongeplant consists of leafy rosettes in a complex branching system. Leaves
have pads of aerenchyma (spongy air spaces) on the undersides that provides buoyancy. Leaves are
generally one to three inches across. Mature plants may be 8 to 12 inches in height. Spongeplant
reproduces both vegetatively and through seed production (abundant seed pods and seedlings), with
flowing and seed production appearing heaviest during the warmer temperatures in May and June.
In 2013, most mats in the Delta were small (less than 30 feet), and many were inter-mixed with other
aquatic plants (mixed in, and under, other plants).
AB 1540 (Buchanan, Chapter 188, Statutes of 2012) was approved by the Legislature on August 15, 2012,
and was signed by the Governor on August 27, 2012. AB 1540 added responsibility for an additional
invasive plant to DBW and USDA-ARS’ existing programs (i.e., WHCP and EDCP). The SCP is a new
program to address the infestation of spongeplant, with treatments started in 2013. The SCP’s primary
treatment method is chemical, supported by hand removal with nets, herding and mechanical removal.
Program Operations
Current DBW aquatic weed control program herbicides include 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid,
dimethlyamine salt (2,4-D), glyphosate, fluridone, penoxsulam, imazamox and diquat. Chemical
treatment is typically conducted with hand-held sprayers (liquid chemical treatment for floating
weeds), injection spray equipment (liquid chemical treatment typically for submerged weed), or
broadcast spreaders (pellet treatment), from aluminum air or outboard motor boats. The boats are
equipped for direct metering of herbicides, adjuvants, and water into pump delivery systems. Trained
field crews spray the chemical mixture directly onto the plants for the WHCP and SCP. For the EDCP,
field crews injection spray, or most commonly broadcast spread, herbicide pellets. DBW’s aquatic
weed control programs are intended to support beneficial uses under the Clean Water Act, and there
have been no known measurable water quality or environmental degradation effects, including no
known impacts to fish.
DBW and cooperating counties halted the WHCP in 2000 after a legal action from the Delta Keepers
claimed that DBW must obtain a NPDES permit from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality
Control Board (CVRWQCB) under the 9th Circuit Court’s Headwaters Inc. v. Talent Irrigation District
decision. DBW applied for the newly required NPDES permit in January 2000, and the CVRWQCB
developed permit conditions in October 2000, but did not issue a permit. In March 2001, the State
Water Board issued DBW a NPDES permit for the WHCP, incorporating most of the conditions
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 3 of 14
developed by the CVRWQCB. One of the conditions of WHCP’s NPDES permit required DBW to
develop a protocol to be followed to ensure that the WHCP operations provided a zone of passage to
fish at all times. The original WHCP Fish Passage Protocol was developed in 2001 and implemented
by the WHCP ever since. The original protocol was incorporated into the 2009 WHCP Programmatic
Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), and had been a component of WHCP operations since 2001.
Conditions and requirements have changed since the 2001 Fish Passage Protocol was developed.
In March 2006, the CVRWQCB issued a NPDES General Permit for Aquatic Weed Control, replacing
the prior NPDES permit. DBW’s aquatic weed control programs have been following the NPDES
General Permit requirements since 2006. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)
adopted the current NPDES General Permit for Aquatic Weed Control on March 5, 2013, effective
December 2013 through November 2018. The current NPDES permit, as with the prior NPDES
permits, does not require a fish passage protocol.
Since 2001, DBW has also received biological opinions (or letters of concurrence) for its programs.
Conditions required by USFWS and NMFS promote fish passage in Delta waters. DBW environmental
monitoring since 2001 has not found negative impacts to fish, or low dissolved oxygen levels that
might impede fish passage. DBW is adding more reduced risk new herbicides (penoxsulam and
imazamox), as evidence of their adaptive management program approach. Furthermore, herbicide
labels for the two original WHCP herbicides (2,4-D and glyphosate) are now less restrictive in regards
to measures to avoid dissolved oxygen impacts.
As a result of these significant changes, DBW and USDA-ARS have revised the fish passage protocol.
A formal fish passage protocol is not required by the NPDES permit. However, DBW and USDA-ARS will
implement this new fish passage protocol as a best practice to reduce the potential for negative effects
on listed fish species movement near water hyacinth, Egeria densa and spongeplant treatment sites.
The impacts of aquatic weeds on dissolved oxygen can be complex. Water hyacinth mats tend to
have lower dissolved oxygen (DO) levels than do open waters around the mats. Spongeplant is
smaller than water hyacinth but has many similar characteristics. Thus, we can reasonably predict
that findings for water hyacinth would apply to spongeplant. Egeria densa’s impact on DO levels are
more complex, with higher DO levels during the day (oxygenation from photosynthesis), and lower
DO levels at night and early morning (respiration). DO impacts tend to be notably significant with
water hyacinth. There is also quantitative information and scientific literature more readily available
for DO levels associated with water hyacinth. The following information is directly related to water
hyacinth, though can broadly be applied to Egeria densa and spongeplant.
Dissolved Oxygen and Water Hyacinth
DO is the content of oxygen found in water. DO is determined by temperature, weather, water flow,
nutrient levels, algae, and aquatic plants. Generally, a higher level of DO is beneficial to fish. Fish
begin to experience oxygen stress or exhibit avoidance at levels below 5 mg/liter. Salmonids have
been reported to actively avoid areas with low dissolved oxygen concentrations (Davis 1975 in Carter
2005). Fish will migrate to areas with higher DO levels. A 1990 study found that brookling trout moved
away from water with DO concentrations of 1 to 1.9 mg/L within one hour, moved away from water
with DO concentrations of 2 to 2.9 mg/L within one to two hours, and moved away more slowly from
water with concentrations of 3 to 3.9 mg/L (Carter 2005). Juvenile Chinook salmon avoided DO
concentrations of 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mg/L (Carter 2005). Salmonids are also likely to avoid water
hyacinth mats in slow-moving waters and shorelines. In a fish migration study in Washington State,
juvenile coho salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout were all found to use the faster-moving and
deeper water sections of the waterway (Zydlewski et al. 2002).
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 4 of 14
Exhibit 1.
Maximum, Minimum and Average Dissolved Oxygen at Various
Station in the Delta, 1992-1996
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecDissolved Oxygen (mg/L)Max.
Min.
Ave.
DO levels drop in warmer temperatures, and increase with precipitation, wind, and water flow.
Running water, such as the tidal water in the Delta, dissolves more oxygen than still water. Diurnal
tidal movement also mixes lower DO water that might be present under a growing or decaying
water hyacinth mat with incoming, higher DO, water. High levels of nutrients in water reduce DO
levels, while algae and aquatic plants can increase DO through photosynthesis, but decrease DO
through respiration and decomposition. DO levels fluctuate throughout the day, and are typically
lowest in the morning and peak in the afternoon. In deep, still waters, DO levels are lower in the
hypolimnion (bottom layer of water) because there is little opportunity for oxygen replenishment from
the atmosphere. As illustrated in Exhibit 1, above, DO levels measured at various locations in the
Delta averaged between 8 and 9.8 mg/L.
Treatment of aquatic weeds with certain herbicides can result in a faster than natural
decaying of plant biomass that may create a large biological oxygen demand, resulting in decreases
in dissolved oxygen. DBW recognizes that decaying water hyacinth has the potential to temporarily
reduce DO levels. The problem of low DO following herbicide treatment of water hyacinth is a concern
when the herbicide is relatively fast-acting, such as 2,4-D, imazapyr, and to a lesser extent glyphosate.
The labels for these three herbicides include recommendations to reduce the potential for DO impacts.
Diquat is also relatively fast-acting (which may be used for Egeria densa and spongeplant treatments),
and its label also includes recommendations to reduce potential for DO impacts.
The low DO following herbicide treatment may be amplified by the fact that DO levels under large
water hyacinth mats can already be low. DBW conducts DO monitoring, as described in this
document, to evaluate DO impacts following treatment. A further uncertainty as to the extent of
potential low DO impacts on fish is that few native fish are found in water hyacinth mats (Hanni 2005).
Table 1, on the following page, summarizes the herbicide label requirements regarding dissolved
oxygen effects and timing of follow-up treatments, should they be required. Note that the follow-up
treatment timing refers to treating previously treated plants a second (or more) time, not treating
previously untreated plants in the same site. These requirements help to avoid negative impacts to
fish resulting from decaying weeds.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 5 of 14
Table 1
Summary of Herbicide Label Requirements Related to Dissolved Oxygen and Repeat
Treatments (Current as of April 2014)
Herbicide Aquatic Weed
Program Dissolved Oxygen Requirements Number of
Treatments
Time Between
Treatments
2,4-D WHCP, SCP It may be appropriate to treat only part of
the infestation at one time. For example,
apply the product in lanes separated by
untreated strips that can be treated after
the vegetation in treated lanes has
disintegrated (2-3 weeks in growing
season). Begin treatment along the
shore and move outward in bands to
allow fish to move into untreated areas.
Two applications
per season
21 days
between
applications
Glyphosate WHCP, SCP When infestations require treatment of
the total surface area of impounded
water*, treating the area in strips may
avoid oxygen depletion due to decaying
vegetation.
May require
retreatment
24 hours
between
applications
Penoxsulam WHCP,
EDCP, SCP
None Not specified Not specified
Imazamox WHCP,
EDCP, SCP
None Up to 4 applications
per season at
32 ounces per acre
application rate
Not specified
Fluridone EDCP None Not specified Not specified
Diquat EDCP, SCP Treat no more than one-third to one-half
of a water body at one time, waiting
14 days for follow-up treatment of the
remaining area. Do not initiate treatment
if measured DO levels are between
3.0 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L.
Not specified 14 days
between
treatments
* The WHCP, EDCP and SCP project areas encompass tidal and riverine waters, not impounded waters.
Existing DO levels in large water hyacinth mats are often already low, particularly in slower-moving
waters and dead-end sloughs. Thus, with adequate avoidance measures, further decreases in
dissolved oxygen that would impede fish passage can be avoided and/or minimized. Large patches of
water hyacinth can cause low dissolved oxygen levels (Toft 2000). Data summarized below indicate
that DO levels under water hyacinth mats are lower than DO levels elsewhere in the Delta. Toft found
average spot DO measurements below 5 mg/L for water hyacinth and above 5 mg/L for pennywort
(Toft 2000). In a similar study of DO in aquatic weeds in Texas, water hyacinth was found to have the
lowest DO levels as compared to milfoil, hydrilla, pondweed, and a mix of native species, and was the
only plant to have DO levels below 5 mg/L (Madsen 1997 in Toft).
Research in the Delta conducted by USDA-ARS measured DO levels every half-hour under a large
mat of water hyacinth that completely covered a 15-meter wide slough on the Cosumnes River
Nature Preserve. The slough was subject to tidal flows. Over a four-day period in June 1996, DO
levels each day ranged from 0 mg/L to just over 5 mg/L. Only about 5 of 200 data points measured
under the mat were above 5 mg/L, and the vast majority of the data points were between 2 mg/L to
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 6 of 14
4 mg/L (Spencer 2001). The results of the DO testing are shown in Exhibit 2, starting on the following
page. These data indicate that large infestations of water hyacinth across waterways, such as those
that have occurred on the Merced and San Joaquin Rivers prior to treatment, are likely to impede the
passage of fish.
Results of WHCP Dissolved Oxygen Monitoring
DBW and USDA-ARS track two sets of DO monitoring. At every herbicide application, treatment
crews take DO samples immediately prior to treating, and approximately one-hour post-treatment.
These levels would be expected to be similar, as they occur a few hours apart and the potential for
lowering DO due to decaying water hyacinth would not occur immediately post-treatment. Data from
Daily Treatment Logs support that there is no significant impact on DO immediately post-treatment.
Of 719 treatments occurring between 2007 and 2011, there were 13 cases with no change in DO,
404 cases with an increase in DO (average increase of 0.8 mg/L), and 302 cases with an average
decrease in DO (average decrease of 0.6 mg/L). The average pre-treatment DO was 7.9 mg/L, and
the average post-treatment DO was 8.1 mg/L. The minimum allowable DO in most of the WHCP
program area is 5.0 mg/L. Both pre- and post-treatment levels are well above the 5.0 mg/L
considered safe for fish.
The DO monitoring that occurs with follow-up water quality sampling would be more likely to show
potential decreases in DO, as post-treatment sampling occurs several days after treatment, when
plant death symptoms are starting to occur. However, representative DO monitoring data from 2011
shows that herbicide treatments do not significantly impact DO. The data in Table 2, on page 9,
provide 2011 treatment and post-treatment DO levels taken at the time of water quality sampling,
on the day of treatment, and between four and seven days post-treatment. In five cases, DO levels
increased. Note that the most significant increase occurred at Site 16, where existing DO was at an
extremely low 2.06 mg/L prior to treatment (a level resulting in stress and avoidance for fish), and
DO increased by six days post-treatment to 7.03 mg/L, a level safe for fish. In the other instance of
extremely low DO prior to treatment at site 301, DO increased from 1.07 mg/L to 2.71 mg/L by five
days post-treatment. In these two critical cases where DO levels prior to treatment were below levels
safe for fish, DO levels improved following WHCP treatments. The average decrease in DO among
the six 2011 monitoring sites with decreased DO was 0.79 mg/L, and in all cases where DO
decreased, it was still well above the Basin Plan minimum of 5.0 mg /L. DBW and USDA-ARS will
continue to monitor pre- and post-treatment DO levels in each of its aquatic weed programs (i.e.,
WHCP, EDCP and SCP).
In 2013, DBW conducted a pilot study for DO monitoring to assess impacts of water hyacinth and
herbicide treatments on DO. DO levels were measured continuously under a water hyacinth mat
located along Middle River at Union Point. Data revealed greater fluctuations of DO underneath water
hyacinth compared to adjacent open water. Within the water hyacinth, the lowest and highest DO
concentrations were 1.43 mg/L and 11.76 mg/L, respectively. Whereas, DO ranged from 6.12 mg/L to
9.79 mg/L in open water. Diel changes in DO were observed, with low DO levels occurring at night or
early morning and highest concentration occurring in the afternoon.
* * * * *
If reductions in dissolved oxygen do occur, these decreases in DO resulting from treatment of aquatic
weeds are likely to be short-term since the Delta is a flowing, rather than a standing, water system. One
of the long-term benefits of treating with herbicides is a reduction in the volume of invasive aquatic weeds
in the Delta. Removing large patches of aquatic weeds will allow DO levels to increase, thus enhancing
the ability of fish to move unimpeded in Delta waters. It can be argued that such a benefit outweighs the
impact of potential short-term localized decreases in dissolved oxygen following treatment.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 7 of 14
Exhibit 2. Four graphs depicting datasonde results under a dense mat of water hyacinth plants in a
slough on the Cosumnes River Nature Preserve.
Date=June 22, 1996
Dissolved Oxygen = open circles, Temperature = solid circles
Consumnes River Preserve, Datasonde II, USDA-ARS, Davis, California
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time
0:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 8:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 24:00
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Date=June 23, 1996
Dissolved Oxygen = open circles, Temperature = solid circles
Consumnes River Preserve, Datasonde II, USDA-ARS, Davis, California
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time
0:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 8:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 24:00
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 8 of 14
Date=June 25, 1996
Dissolved Oxygen = open circles, Temperature = solid circles
Consumnes River Preserve, Datasonde II, USDA-ARS, Davis, California
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time
0:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 8:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 24:00
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Date=June 24, 1996
Dissolved Oxygen = open circles, Temperature = solid circles
Consumnes River Preserve, Datasonde II, USDA-ARS, Davis, California
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Time
0:00 2:00 4:00 6:00 8:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 24:00
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 9 of 14
Table 2
Comparison of Treatment and Post-Treatment Dissolved Oxygen Levels (in mg/L) (2011)
Site Days
Post Treatment Treatment DO Post-Treat
DO
Difference
(Post-Treatment)
2,4-D Treatments
13 6 7.18 7.09 (0.09)
14 5 8.46 7.23 (1.23)
15 6 7.74 7.73 (0.01)
16* 6 2.06 7.03 4.97
58 6 7.06 7.15 0.09
59 4 6.92 6.98 0.06
68 6 7.86 7.97 0.11
Glyphosate Treatments
216 7 9.80 8.40 (1.40)
217 7 7.70 6.18 (1.52)
300 5 8.50 8.00 (0.50)
301* 5 1.07 2.71 1.64
Average increase for five increased DO sites: 1.37
Average decrease for six decreased DO sites: (0.79)
* Highlighted rows had DO levels harmful to fish prior to WHCP treatments.
Fish Passage Protocol
There is very little quantitative information and/or scientific literature upon which to base treatment
acreage limitations for a fish passage protocol, and even less information specific to the Delta
environment. The previous 3 acre limitation was originally put forward by a member of the Water
Hyacinth Task Force in the early 1980s as a precautionary limit to address potential for reductions
in water quality beneficial uses. At the time the 3 acres was proposed, water hyacinth treatments
started earlier in the season, before mats grew to the large acreage (sometimes over 50 acres) that
can occur in today’s Delta environment. Based on data summarized in this document, these large
mats likely have a greater detrimental impact on dissolved oxygen than herbicide treatments.
The protocol below is based on combined recommendations of an aquatic weed expert, an herbicide
company representative, the Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook, Washington State
NPDES requirements, herbicide label requirements, Delta water conditions, prior dissolved oxygen
monitoring data, the prior 3 acre limit, and literature on salmonid migration. The intent is to provide a
fish passage protocol with numerical treatment limits that provide conservative fish protection, reflect
actual Delta conditions, take into account the variability in treatment site size (6.5 acres to 1,707 acres)
and consider field operation constraints. DBW will follow this protocol for all water hyacinth treatments,
all spongeplant treatments, and only Egeria densa treatments using diquat.
1.In slow-moving and back-end sloughs with aquatic weed infestations, DBW will treat up to
30 percent of the mat at one time. Mats will be treated in up to 3 acre strips, leaving at least
100 foot buffer strips between treated areas. The untreated buffer strips and remaining
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 10 of 14
70 percent of the mat will be treated at least three more times following the initial treatment
(in 30 percent increments). These follow-up treatments will take place at three week intervals.
2.In Delta tidal waters, DBW will treat up to 50 percent of the mat at one time. Mats will be
treated in up to 3 acre strips, leaving at least 100 foot buffer strips between treated areas.
The untreated buffer strips and remaining 50 percent of the mat will be treated three weeks
following the initial treatment for 2,4-D treatments, 14 days for following initial treatment for
diquat, and one week following initial treatment for other herbicides.
3.If DO levels in an area to be treated are at a level considered to be detrimental to fish species
prior to treatment (below 3 mg/liter), DBW may treat the entire area (without the 3 acre strips
or buffer strips), therefore allowing the DO levels to increase to beneficial use levels once the
aquatic weed is controlled.
4.For each treatment site and herbicide application, DBW staff shall follow herbicide label
requirements, as specified, to reduce the potential for low dissolved oxygen. Current
requirements for DBW’s aquatic weed program herbicides are provided in Table 1.
5.When follow-up herbicide applications of previously treated plants are required, DBW staff
shall follow herbicide label requirements, as specified, regarding the number of treatments
and time between treatments.
On the following page, and in Exhibit 3, starting on page 13, we provide examples of the fish passage
protocol in regards to water hyacinth. The large numerals in Exhibit 3 refer to the treatment number.
20 acre water hyacinth mat in a dead end slough site:
Treatment 1: 30% = 6 acres
Protocol – spray two strips of 3 acres each with 100 feet between strips
Treatment 2: 30% = 6 acres
Protocol – spray two strips of just under 3 acres each with 100 feet between strips,
plus the previously untreated strip
Treatment 3: 30% = 6 acres
Protocol – spray two strips of just under 3 acres each with 100 feet between strips,
plus the previously untreated strip
Treatment 4: 10% = 2+ acres
Protocol – spray the remaining 2+ acres, plus the previously untreated strip.
20 acre water hyacinth mat in a tidal site:
Treatment 1: 50% = 10 acres
Protocol – spray three strips of 3 acres plus one strip of 1 acre with 100 feet between strips,
or treat four 4 strips of 2.5 acres with 100 feet between strips
Treatment 2: 50% = 10 acres
Protocol – spray three strips of just under 3 acres plus one strip of 1 acre with 100 feet
between strips, or treat four 4 strips of just under 2.5 acres with 100 feet between strips,
plus previously untreated strips
Treatment 3: untreated strips
Protocol – spray remaining untreated strips from Treatment 2.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 11 of 14
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 12 of 14
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 13 of 14
References
Akers, Patrick. 2010. “A New Invader: South American Spongeplant: Worse Than Water Hyacinth?”
Akers, Patrick. 2010. Pest Profile: South American spongeplant. California Department of Food and
Agriculture. Sacramento, Ca. 5pp.
Anderson, Lars. W.J.. 2012. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
and University of California Davis Exotic and Invasive Weed Research Unit (retired). Personal
Communication, October 11, 2012.
Carter, Katherine. 2005. The effects of dissolved oxygen on steelhead trout, coho salmon, and
Chinook salmon biology and function by life stage. California Regional Water Quality Control
Board, North Coast Region
Cohen, A.N., and J.T. Carlton. 1995. Nonindigenous aquatic species in a United States estuary:
A case study of the biological invasions of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Prepared for the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington D.C. and the National Sea Grant College
Program Connecticut Sea Grant. 218pp.
Cook, Christopher D.K. and Katharina Urmi-König. 1983. “A Revision of the Genus Limnobium
including Hydromystria (Hydrocharitaceae)”. Aquatic Botany. 17:1-27.
DBW. 2001. Egeria densa Control Program Volume III: Response to Comments. Sacramento:
California Department of Boating and Waterways. 90pp.
DBW. 2001. Water Hyacinth Control Program Biological Assessment. Sacramento: California
Department of Boating and Waterways. 125pp.
Hanni, Jason. 2005. USFWS seasonal fishery catch and a follow up investigation of fish fauna
assemblages in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and Bay. IEP Newsletter 18, no. 3
(Fall 2005): 3-8.
Jennings, Jon. 2012. Washington Department of Ecology, Water Quality. Personal Communication,
October 16, 2012.
Morgan, Vanessa Howard and Kim Patten. 2012. Section J. Aquatic Weed Control, Pacific Northwest
Weed Management Handbook. Pacific Northwest Extension Publication, Oregon State University.
Corvalis, OR.
Pennington, Toni Garrett. 2007. Seasonal changes in allocation, growth, and photosynthetic
responses of the submersed macrophyte Egeria densa Planch. (Hydrocharitaceae) from Oregon
and California. Dissertation. Portland State University. 153 pp.
Schuler, Scott. 2012. SePRO Corporation, Aquatics Program Manager. Personal Communication,
October 9, 2012.
Spencer, David. 2001 Personal communication and unpublished data. United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Davis, California.
Toft, J.D. 2000. Community effects of the non-indigenous aquatic plant water hyacinth (Eichhornia
crassipes) in the Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, California. University of Washington. 86pp.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Dissolved oxygen and biochemical oxygen demand,
in Monitoring Water Quality. Washington D.C.: EPA Office of Water. http://www.epa.gov/owowwtr1/
monitoring/volunteer/stream/vms52.html. 11pp.
Washington Department of Ecology. 2011. Aquatic plant and algae management general permit.
NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. Olympia, Washington.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Division of Boating and Waterways
Fish Passage Protocol
Updated: April 30, 2014
Page 14 of 14
Yarrow, Matthew, Victor H. Marin, Max Finlayson, Antonio tironi, Luisa E. Delgado, and Fernanda
Fischer. 2009. The ecology of Egeria densa Plancon (Liliopsida: Alismatales): A wetland
ecosystem engineer? Revista Chilena de Historia Natural. 82:299-313
Zydlewski, Gayle, Christiane Winter, Dee McClanahan, Jeffrey Johnson, Joseph Zydlewski, Sean
Casey. 2002. Evaluation of fish movements, migration patterns, and population abundance with
streamwidth PIT tag interrogation systems. Project No. 2001-01200, 72 electronic pages,
(Bonneville Power Administration Report DOE/BP-00005464-1.