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California Regional Water Quality Control Board Central Valley Region ` Robert Schneider,Chair Tcrry'ramminen Arnold Secretaryfor Sacramento Main Office Schwarcenegger Environmental 11020 Sun Center Drive 4200,Rancho Cordova,California 95670-6114 Governor Protection Phone(916)464-3291•FAX(916)4644645 http://www.swrcb.m.gov/rwgcb5 Guidelines for Submittal of Information Developed from Models to the Central Valley Regional Board Models can be necessary in water quality studies and investigations to predict future conditions of the ground or surface waters, or to examine critical or"worst case"conditions which cannot be directly measured without waiting indefinitely for those conditions to naturally occur. Although often necessary, models can easily be miss-applied or misused. It is the responsibility of the Discharger or project proponent to demonstrate the appropriateness and usage of the model so that the Board and the public can fully understand the modeling process and understand the strengths and weakness of the model output. It is highly desirable for the model to be "transparent', that is, fully open to scrutiny. Proprietary models,because all or part of the model is"hidden' from review, have a higher burden of proof because it is more difficult to have a complete understanding of the modeling process for proprietary models. The following is a list of general concepts applicable to all modeling that generally need to be demonstrated by the modeler before the Regional Board can accept a model for use. This list is provided for general guidance only. Specific applications of models may require different justification. It is strongly recommended that all modeling be discussed with appropriate Regional Board staff before the modeling is conducted so that all parties understand the modeling process. At a minimum, items 1 through 9 should be discussed and agreed to prior to commencement of the modeling effort. 1. What is the modeling objective? What is being modeled, why that information is needed, and how will the results be used? 2. What model has been chosen?(Name, author,version, etc.) 3. Why is the chosen model applicable to this situation? 4. Is the model open or proprietary? What level of peer review has been done on the model? Provide examples of previous use of the model. 5. If the model is proprietary, explain why open models or EPA-approved models are not appropriate for the application. It may be appropriate to ask for an independent peer review of the computer code of a proprietary model. 6. Describe the underlying fundamentals and assumptions of the model and why they are appropriate. California Environmental Protection Agency 'Gd RerycledPaper The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. Fora list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs,see our Web-site at http:/Aw .swreb.ca.gov/mgcb5