SWAMP - Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program

SWAMP INCLUDED PROGRAMS

Visit the State Mussel Watch and Toxic Substance Monitoring Programs web page to access applicable databases and publications.

• Toxic Substance Monitoring Program
  
  For 27 years (1976-2003) the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) collected fish and other aquatic life from fresh, estuarine, and marine waters. Samples collected in the TSMP were analyzed for trace elements, pesticides, and PCBs. The TSMP provided the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) with a uniform statewide approach to the detection and evaluation of the occurrence of toxic substances. The TSMP primarily targeted water bodies with known or suspected impaired water quality. Sampling stations were primarily selected by the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards). TSMP data is still used by the State and Regional Water Board, and other State agencies to identify waters impacted by toxic pollutants. (Program contacts).
  
  
  
• State Mussel Watch
  
  For 26 years (1977-2003) the California State Mussel Watch Program (SMWP) collected transplanted and resident mussels and clams from the waters of California's bays, harbors and estuaries. Samples collected in the SMWP were analyzed for trace elements, pesticides, and PCBs. The SMWP provided the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) with a uniform statewide approach to the detection and evaluation of the occurrence of toxic substances in marine waters. The SMWP primarily targeted areas with known or suspected impaired water quality. Sampling stations were primarily selected by the six coastal Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards). Information collected in the SMWP is still used by the State and Regional Water Boards, and other agencies to identify waters impacted by toxic pollutants. (Program contacts).
  
  
  
• Toxicity Testing Programs
  
  The Toxicity Testing Program (TTP), now being phased out, assessed water quality in surface waters of the State using reliable USEPA standardized toxicity testing procedures, and modified USEPA Toxicity Identification Evaluation and supporting chemical analysis. For the past several years, the TTP has been effective in providing information that can identify waterways where toxicity water quality standard (objectives) are not being met and whether these surface waters can support biological communities in aquatic ecosystems. The intent of the TTP has been to identify high-risk areas and to identify the spatial and temporal extent of water quality problems, as well as, the geographic and land use/water use sources of the causative chemical(s). (Contact person: Nancy Kapellas, State Water Resources Control Board, (916)341-5546, or e-mail to nkappellas@waterboards.ca.gov).

( updated 2/23/06 )