Policy for the Implementation of the Water Quality Objectives for Temperature and Action Plans for the Mattole, Navarro and Eel River Watersheds

Policy for the Implementation of the Water Quality Objectives for Temperature and Action Plans for the Mattole, Navarro and Eel River Watersheds

On March 13, 2014, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Water Board) adopted Resolution No. R1-2014-006 to incorporate a Policy for Implementation of Water Quality Objectives for Temperature (Policy) and Action Plans to Address Temperature Impairments in the Mattole, Navarro, and Eel River Watersheds (Action Plans). On April 8, 2015, the SWRCB approved the amendment under Resolution No. 2015-0020. The Policy describes the approach to implementing the water quality objectives for temperature, identifies activities that may result in temperature alterations, and identifies the regulatory tools that the Regional Water Board may use to address temperature concerns in one cohesive policy. The Policy explicitly identifies the shade provided by riparian vegetation as a controllable water quality factor, and directs the implementation of riparian management measures, sediment controls, and stream flow considerations through programs and permits, as appropriate and necessary to address and prevent further impairments. The Action Plans address temperature impairments in the Matole, Navarro, and Eel River watersheds. The Action Plans implement the Policy by identifying specific activities in the watersheds that may affect temperature, and identifies the regulatory programs and actions in the Regional Water Board will implement to address temperature concerns in the respective watersheds.

Santa Rosa

Sonoma