Beneficial use

From SDCK Watershed Wiki

Beneficial Uses (BU) designated under the Clean Water Act are defined as the uses of water necessary for the survival of or well being of man, plants and wildlife. Examples of BU include the use and value of water for public water supplies, protection and propagation of fish, shellfish and wildlife, recreation in and on the water, agricultural, industrial and other purposes including navigation. Currently, there are 23 beneficial uses defined statewide and designated within the San Diego region.

"Beneficial uses form the cornerstone of water quality protection under the Basin Plan. Once beneficial uses are designated, appropriate water quality objectives can be established and programs that maintain or enhance water quality can be implemented to ensure the protection of beneficial uses.Beneficial uses and water quality objectives are required to be established for all waters of the State, both surface and ground waters." - San Diego Regional Basin Plan, Chapter 2

Contents 1 Agricultural supply(AGR) 2 Aquaculture(AQUA) 3 Preservation of biological habitats of special significance(BIOL) 4 Cold freshwater habitat(COLD) 5 Commercial and sport fishing(COMM) 6 Estuarine habitat(EST) 7 Freshwater replenishment(FRSH) 8 Ground water recharge(GWR) 9 Industrial service supply(IND) 10 Marine habitat(MAR) 11 Migration of aquatic organisms(MIGR) 12 Municipal and domestic supply(MUN) 13 Navigation(NAV) 14 Hydropower generation(POW) 15 Industrial process supply(PROC) 16 Rare, threatened, or endangered species(RARE) 17 Contact water recreation(REC-1) 18 Non-contact water recreation(REC-2) 19 Inland saline water habitat(SAL) 20 Shellfish harvesting(SHELL) 21 Spawning(SPWN) 22 Warm freshwater habitat(WARM) 23 Wildlife habitat(WILD) 24 Beneficial Uses Resources

Agricultural supply(AGR)

Includes uses of water for farming, horticulture, or ranching including, but not limited to, irrigation, stock watering, or support of vegetation for range grazing.

The criteria discussed under municipal and domestic water supply (MUN) also effectively protect farmstead uses. To establish water quality criteria for livestock water supply, the Regional Board must consider the relationship of water to the total diet, including water freely drunk, moisture content of feed, and interactions between irrigation water quality and feed quality. The University of California Cooperative Extension has developed threshold and limiting concentrations for livestock and irrigation water. Continued irrigation often leads to one or more of four types of hazards related to water quality and the nature of soils and crops. These hazards are (1) soluble salt accumulations, (2) chemical changes in the soil, (3) toxicity to crops, and (4) potential disease transmission to humans through reclaimed water use. Irrigation water classification systems, arable soil classification systems, and public health criteria related to reuse of wastewater have been developed with consideration given to these hazards.

Aquaculture(AQUA)

Includes the uses of water for aquaculture or mariculture operations including, but not limited to, propagation, cultivation, maintenance, or harvesting of aquatic plants and animals for human consumption or bait purposes.

As the nation’s oceans agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is the leading federal agency on marine aquaculture. Aquaculture is not limited to marine ecosystems but can take place in both natural and man-made environments such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. In order to meet development needs and environmental aquaculture requirements, NOAA focuses on: (1) Research, Development, and Technology Transfer, (2) Financial Assistance to Businesses, (3) Environmental Safeguards including Regulatory and Permit Procedures; (4) Coordination. NMFS, OAR and NOS will incorporate these priorities into their aquaculture-related activities. Aquaculture is a primary source of food for the United States and around the world. As the demand for safe and healthy seafood increases, NOAA’s efforts to produce a viable food source through aquaculture continue.

Preservation of biological habitats of special significance(BIOL)

Includes uses of water that support designated areas or habitats, such as established refuges, parks, sanctuaries, ecological reserves, or Areas of Special Biological Significance (ASBS), where the preservation or enhancement of natural resources requires special protection.

These include marine life refuges, ecological reserves, and designated areas where the preservation and enhancement of natural resources requires special protection. In these areas, alteration of natural water quality is undesirable. The areas that have been designated as ASBS in this Region are Bird Rock, Point Reyes Headland Reserve and Extension, Double Point, Duxbury Reef Reserve and Extension, Farallon Islands, and James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The 2001 California Ocean Plan prohibits waste discharges into, and requires wastes to be discharged at a sufficient distance from, these areas to assure maintenance of natural water quality conditions. These areas have been designated as a subset of State Water Quality Protection Areas as per the Public Resources Code.

Cold freshwater habitat(COLD)

Includes uses of water that support cold water ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic habitats, vegetation, fish or wildlife, including invertebrates.

Cold freshwater habitats generally support trout and may support the anadromous salmon and steelhead fisheries as well. Cold water habitats are commonly well-oxygenated. Life within these waters is relatively intolerant to environmental stresses. Often, soft waters feed cold water habitats. These waters render fish more susceptible to toxic metals, such as copper, because of their lower buffering capacity.

Commercial and sport fishing(COMM)

Includes the uses of water for commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or other organisms including, but not limited to, uses involving organisms intended for human consumption or bait purposes.

Commercial and sport fishing is a popular recreational activity in America and across the world. Fishing helps pay for ecosystem management throughout California and the country with license and fees. These monies help pay for environmental education programs, conservation, maintenance and restoration of marine habitats, as well as research for environmental analysis. The Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act provide federal aid to states for restoration and wildlife habitat projects through an excise tax. Recently, the state of California was granted by the department of Interior, $11.34 million in Wildlife Restoration funds (Pittman-Robertson funds) and $20.22 million, the maximum amount, in Sport Fish Restoration funds (Dingell-Johnson Act).

Estuarine habitat(EST)

Includes uses of water that support estuarine ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of estuarine habitats, vegetation, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g., estuarine mammals, waterfowl, shorebirds).

Estuarine habitats are located in areas where freshwater and saltwater environments convene. These areas are rich in biodiversity and are home to flounder, sea trout, spot, croaker, and striped bass. Oysters, clams, and blue and Dungeness crabs likewise need these wetlands for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Other values, such as filtration and water storage are also beneficial for our ecosystem. Pollutants and nutrient deposits from sewage, manure, and commercial chemicals are filtered slowly through wetlands and absorbed by microorganisms and plant roots. These areas also act as storage units, releasing waters slowly and regulating water flows, which help control floods.

Freshwater replenishment(FRSH)

Includes uses of water for natural or artificial maintenance of surface water quantity or quality (e.g., salinity).

Ground water recharge(GWR)

Includes uses of water for natural or artificial recharge of ground water for purposes of future extraction, maintenance of water quality, or halting of saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers.

The requirements for groundwater recharge operations generally reflect the future use to be made of the water stored underground. In some cases, recharge operations may be conducted to prevent seawater intrusion. In these cases, the quality of recharged waters may not directly affect quality at the wellfield being protected. Recharge operations are often limited by excessive suspended sediment or turbidity that can clog the surface of recharge pits, basins, or wells.

Under the state Antidegradation Policy, the quality of some of the waters of the state is higher than established by adopted policies. It is the intent of this policy to maintain that existing higher quality to the maximum extent possible.

Requirements for groundwater recharge, therefore, shall impose the Best Available Technology (BAT) or Best Management Practices (BMPs) for control of the discharge as necessary to assure the highest quality consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the state. Additionally, it must be recognized that groundwater recharge occurs naturally in many areas from streams and reservoirs. This recharge may have little impact on the quality of groundwaters under normal circumstances, but it may act to transport pollutants from the recharging water body to the groundwater. Therefore, groundwater recharge must be considered when requirements are established.

Industrial service supply(IND)

Includes uses of water for industrial activities that do not depend primarily on water quality including, but not limited to, mining, cooling water supply, hydraulic conveyance, gravel washing, fire protection, or oil well re-pressurization.

Water supply is necessary for industries across the world for the production of basic goods most people take for granted. For example, water helps in the production of food, chemicals, paper, and metal. According to the USGS, In 2000, water withdrawals for industrial purposes across the United States were estimated at 137,000 million gallons per day. Over 85% of withdrawals for industrial purposes come from freshwater sources.

Marine habitat(MAR)

Includes uses of water that support marine ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of marine habitats, vegetation such as kelp, fish, shellfish, or wildlife (e.g., marine mammals, shorebirds).

Marine habitats and coastal ecosystems encompass both biotic and abiotic elements, which make up our oceans and seas. One Abiotic element, water, is important for determining species habitat. Attributes such as salinity, water depth, and tidal patterns can establish which biotic elements exist. Plant and animal species are abundant throughout our marine habitats and are ever adapting to human interaction and development. NOAA has begun accepting proposals for coastal habitat restoration projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. NOAA anticipates that up to $170 million may be available for coastal and marine habitat restoration.

Migration of aquatic organisms(MIGR)

Includes uses of water that support habitats necessary for migration, acclimatization between fresh and salt water, or other temporary activities by aquatic organisms, such as anadromous fish.

Municipal and domestic supply(MUN)

Includes uses of water for community, military, or individual water supply systems including, but not limited to, drinking water supply.

The principle issues involving municipal water supply quality outlined by the San Diego Regional Basin Plan Chapter 2 are as follows, (1) protection of public health; (2) aesthetic acceptability of the water; and (3) the economic impacts associated with treatment- or quality-related damages. Domestically, water is supplied by the city or county water departments, or, by individual property owners through the use of wells. According to the USGS, about 45 million people were self-supplied in 2000. Public health issues relate to contaminants, diseases and imbalances in water supply. Parameters of general concern for aesthetic acceptability are excessive hardness, unpleasant odor or taste, turbidity, and color.

Navigation(NAV)

Includes uses of water for shipping, travel, or other transportation by private, military, or commercial vessels.

Navigation through our rivers, lakes and oceans are essential for economic and social viability of our world. Waterways have played an important part in the development of countries and continue to bridge gaps between regions for purposes of trade.

Hydropower generation(POW)

Includes uses of water for hydropower generation.

Hyopower, or hydroelectic generation, is one of the oldest techniques used to produce power in our country. Making use of our rivers and dams to generate power, helps make up 7 percent of the United States toatal power produced and 19 percent of the worlds usage.

Advantages of Hydroelectric power 1.) Reduced Pollution. 2.) The energy source, water, is free 3.) Low operations and maintenance costs
 4.) It's renewable - rainfall renews the water in the reservoir, so the fuel is almost always there

Information provided by USGS

Industrial process supply(PROC)

Includes uses of water for industrial activities that depend primarily on water quality.

Rare, threatened, or endangered species(RARE)

Includes uses of water that support habitats necessary, at least in part, for the survival and successful maintenance of plant or animal species established under state or federal law as rare, threatened or endangered.

The preservation of rare, threatened or endangered species is important for maintaining biodiversity throughout our ecosystems. Establishing native poplulations of plants and animals ensures the appropriate balance throughout landscapes. Protected under the endangered species act of 1973, threatened and endangered species are given an opportunity for recovery under the following guidelines established by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Act 1.) Authorizes the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened, 2.) Prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species, 3.) Provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water conservation funds, 4.) Authorizes establishment of cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to States that establish and maintain active and adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants, 5.) Authorizes the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations, 6.) Authorizes the payment of rewards to anyone furnishing information leading to arrest and conviction for any violation of the Act or any regulation issued there under.

Contact water recreation(REC-1)

Includes uses of water for recreational activities involving body contact with water, where ingestion of water is reasonably possible. These uses include, but are not limited to, swimming, wading, water-skiing, skin and SCUBA diving, surfing, white water activities, fishing, or use of natural hot springs.

Ocean Waters (from Ocean Plan)

Within a zone bounded by the shoreline and a distance of 1,000 feet from the shoreline or the 30-foot depth contour, whichever is further from the shoreline, and in areas outside this zone used for water contact sports, as determined by the Regional Board (i.e., waters designated as REC-1), but including all kelp beds, the following bacterial objectives shall be maintained throughout the water column:

30-day Geometic Mean – The following standards are based on the geometric mean of the five most recent samples from each site:

i. Total coliform density shall not exceed 1,000 per 100 ml;

ii. Fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200 per 100 ml; and

iii. Enterococcus density shall not exceed 35 per 100 ml.

Single Sample Maximum:

i. Total coliform density shall not exceed 10,000 per 100 ml;

ii. Fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400 per 100 ml;

iii. Enterococcus density shall not exceed 104 per 100 ml; and

iv. Total coliform density shall not exceed 1,000 per 100 ml when the fecal coliform/total coliform ratio exceeds 0.1.

REC-1

Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries and Coastal Lagoons (from Basin Plan)

Fecal Coliform / Fresh or Marine Waters: Fecal coliform concentration, based on a minimum of not less than five samples for any 30-day period, shall not exceed a log mean of 200 per 100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of total samples during any 30-day period exceed 400 per 100 ml.

Total Coliform / Bays and Estuaries only: Coliform organisms shall be less than 1,000 per 100 ml (10 per ml); provided that not more than 20 percent of the samples at any station, in any 30-day period, may exceed 1,000 per 100 ml (10 per ml) and provided further that no single sample when verified by a repeat sample taken within 48 hours shall exceed 10,000 per 100 (100 per ml).

Enterococci / Fresh Waters: In fresh water, the geometric mean of Enterococci shall not exceed 33 colonies per 100 ml. The single sample maximum allowable density in designated beach areas is 61 colonies per 100 ml, in moderately or lightly used areas is 108 colonies per 100 ml, in infrequently used areas is 151 colonies per 100 ml.

Enterococci / Marine Waters: In marine waters, the geometric mean of Enterococci shall not exceed 35 colonies per 100 ml. The single sample maximum allowable density in designated beach areas is 104 colonies per 100 ml, in moderately or lightly used areas is 276 colonies per 100 ml, in infrequently used areas is 500 colonies per 100 ml.

E. coli / Fresh Waters: In fresh water, the geometric mean of E. coli shall not exceed 126 colonies per 100 ml. The single sample maximum allowable density in designated beach areas is 235 colonies per 100 ml, in moderately or lightly used areas is 406 colonies per 100 ml, in infrequently used areas is 576 colonies per 100 ml.

Non-contact water recreation(REC-2)

Includes the uses of water for recreational activities involving proximity to water, but not normally involving body contact with water, where ingestion of water is reasonably possible. These uses include, but are not limited to, picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, beachcombing, camping, boating, tidepool and marine life study, hunting, sightseeing, or aesthetic enjoyment in conjunction with the above activities.

The non-contact (REC-2) beneficial use water quality objectives for bacterial indicators applicable in the San Diego Region are contained in the Basin Plan and are derived from water quality criteria promulgated by the USEPA in 1976.

Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays and Estuaries and Coastal Lagoons (from Basin Plan)

Fecal Coliform / Fresh or Marine Waters: In waters designated for non-contact recreation (REC-2) and not designed for contact recreation (REC-1), the average fecal coliform concentrations for any 30-day period, shall not exceed 2,000 per 100 ml, nor shall more than 10 percent of total samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 4,000 per 100 ml.

Inland saline water habitat(SAL)

Includes uses of water that support inland saline water ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic saline habitats, vegetation, fish, or wildlife, including invertebrates.

Shellfish harvesting(SHELL)

Includes uses of water that support habitats suitable for the collection of filter-feeding shellfish (e.g., clams, oysters and mussels) for human consumption, commercial, or sport purposes.

~From SCCWRP website~
Shellfish is an important food source in California. Commercial shellfish production has increased in the last 20 years by more effective use of limited culture areas. On the other hand, recreational shellfishing opportunities have decreased during the last 50 years as a result of near shore and shoreline development. While the beneficial use area designations for shellfishing have evolved over the last 30 years, the last time a comprehensive survey and designation of shellfishing areas was conducted occurred in 1975. Where updates to beneficial use designations for shellfishing have occurred, different approaches and criteria were used in various parts of the state.

Shellfish contamination from bacteria and other pollutants exacerbates the issues related to beneficial use designations for shellfishing. Water quality criteria for shellfishing areas are understandably conservative and this leads to an increase in the need for management actions. However, the lack of accurate beneficial use designations could lead to an over-management in areas where shellfishing doesn’t occur and under-management in areas where shellfishing does occur. Without accurate beneficial use designations for shellfishing, management for water quality could be misdirected.

Current Study on Shellfish Beneficial Use Areas

The shellfish harvesting (SHELL) beneficial use water quality objectives for bacterial indicators applicable in the San Diego Region where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption are contained in the Ocean Plan and in the Basin Plan. Both are derived from water quality criteria promulgated by the USEPA in 1976.

Ocean Waters (from Ocean Plan)

At all areas where shellfish may be harvested for human consumption, as determined by the Regional Board, the following bacteria objectives shall be maintained throughout the water column: The median total coliform density shall not exceed 70 per 100 ml, and not more than 10 percent of the samples shall exceed 230 per 100 ml.

Enclosed Bays and Estuaries and Coastal Lagoons (from Basin Plan)

Total Coliform / Marine Waters: The median total coliform concentration throughout the water column for an 30-day period shall not exceed 70 per 100 ml nor shall more than 10 percent of the samples collected during any 30-day period exceed 230 per 100 ml for a five-tube decimal dilution test or 330 per 100 ml when a three-tube decimal dilution test is used.

Spawning(SPWN)

Includes uses of water that support high quality aquatic habitats suitable for reproduction and early development of fish. This use is applicable only for the protection of anadromous fish.

Warm freshwater habitat(WARM)

Includes uses of water that support warm water ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation or enhancement of aquatic habitats, vegetation, fish or wildlife, including invertebrates.

Wildlife habitat(WILD)

Includes uses of water that support terrestrial ecosystems including, but not limited to, preservation and enhancement of terrestrial habitats, vegetation, wildlife (e.g., mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates), or wildlife water and food sources.

Beneficial Uses Resources

August Watershed Captain's Meeting Presentation on Beneficial Uses

1. Locate your hyrdologic sub-area on the map linked here (warning: the map is 6.5MB, and can be difficult to read) to obtain your hydrologic unit number (i.e. 910.20 for Poggi Creek in the Otay River Watershed.)
2. Identify your hydrologic unit on Table 2.2 Beneficial Uses of Inland Surface Waters in Chapter 2 of the San Diego Region Basin Plan.