CA 1998 303(d)/305(b) Water Quality Lists Update.pdf

Let me start by reading through it carefully.

The memo is from the State Water Resources Control Board to all Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) Executive Officers. The main subject is the update of the 1998 Section 303(d) and 305(b) lists under the Clean Water Act. The document includes guidance and schedules for submitting these lists and assessment data.

First, the key dates: the final 303(d) and TMDL Priority List must be sent by February 1, 1998. The updated Waterbody System database needs to be sent by November 15, 1997. There's also a mention of the 305(b) report, which is required every two years, but now the hard copy is every five years starting in 1998. The 1996 reports are attached as examples.

The 305(b) report focuses on the overall condition of water bodies, including their size, hydrologic unit, and beneficial use support. The 1998 update won't be as comprehensive as 1996 because it's not reviewing all data. Instead, it's based on surveys of watersheds from 1996 and 1997, and efforts to delist water bodies. They emphasize checking the database for errors, especially pollution sources.

For the 303(d) and TMDL lists, the data required are similar to 1996. The task force guidelines are provided, and there's a mention of federal guidance from EPA. The memo also suggests using screen-by-screen guidance and data sheets for each water body in the region.

I need to make sure the summary is detailed but not too long. Highlight the main points: dates for submissions, the difference between 305(b) and 303(d) updates, the data required, the importance of checking the database, and the attached documents. Also, note the contact information for Nancy Richard. Avoid any markdown and keep it in English as per the user's request. Check for any specific terms or names that need to be included, like the task force members or the attached reports. Make sure to mention the purpose of the reports and the coordination with the Watershed Management Initiative. Alright, that should cover the essential information without getting too bogged down in details.

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) provides guidance for updating California’s 1998 Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) and 305(b) lists. Key points include:
- Submission Deadlines: Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs) must submit final 303(d) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Priority Lists by February 1, 1998, and send updated Waterbody System (WBS) database copies to SWRCB by November 15, 1997.
- 305(b) Report: The statewide 305(b) report, which assesses water body condition based on beneficial use support, size, and hydrologic unit, is now updated every five years (starting with 1998). Annual electronic WBS database transmittals to the U.S. EPA continue.
- Scope of Updates: The 1998 303(d) list will focus on watersheds surveyed in 1996–1997 and delisting efforts, but data for other watersheds should be reviewed to improve accuracy. All 1996 303(d) data are already in the WBS database; SWRCB staff will review and edit 1998 changes.
- Data Requirements: For 303(d) listed water bodies, data includes name, affected area, stressor/pollutant, source, TMDL priority, and completion schedule.
- Guidelines: A task force (U.S. EPA, SWRCB, RWQCB staff) developed 1998 303(d) listing guidelines, which are attached. These cover listing/delisting factors, priority ranking, public notice, and coordination with the Watershed Management Initiative.
- Federal Guidance: U.S. EPA issued national clarifying guidance for 1998 303(d) decisions, which aligns with California’s approach.
- Public Access: The 1996 California 305(b) and 303(d) reports (Attachments 1 and 2) are included to illustrate differences.
- Contact: Nancy Richard (916-657-0642) is available for questions.
- CC: Fresno, Redding, and Visalia offices, along with key RWQCB staff members.
The goal is to ensure accurate, up-to-date water quality data for public and regulatory use, reflecting California’s commitment to preserving and efficiently managing water resources.