On July 9, 2008, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board adopted Resolution No. R2-2008-0061, amending the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay Region (Basin Plan) by establishing a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for pathogens in Richardson Bay. The TMDL sets numeric density-based targets for fecal coliform and enterococci in the water column to ensure protection of designated beneficial uses. On August 4, 2009, the State Water Resources Control Board approved the amendment under Resolution No. 2009-0063.
The targets are based on existing Basin Plan water quality objectives and/or United States Environmental Protection Agency-recommended criteria for the protection of shellfish harvesting and water contact beneficial uses.
The TMDL will be implemented through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) storm water permit for the Marin County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for Sanitary Sewer Systems, and Basin Plan Waste Discharge Prohibitions for domestic and vessel wastes.
Water quality monitoring is required as part of this TMDL. The San Francisco Bay Water Quality Control Board will review and revise the TMDL, if necessary, based on collected data or other relevant information made available by special studies and scientific literature.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, § 3919.5