|
***
|
The
energy challenge facing California is real.
Every Californian needs to take immediate action
to reduce energy consumption
|
|
***
|
For
a list of simple ways to reduce demand and cut
your energy costs, see the tips at: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/news/echallenge.html
|
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GROUNDWATER DIVISION |
Enforcement
Board
Hearing Panels
In accordance with Resolution 00-017, a Regional
Board Hearing Panel conducted the first evidentiary
hearing for ACLs on January 5, 2001. The hearing Panel,
consisting of three Board members heard evidence pertaining
to a discretionary ACL and a Migden Mandatory Penalty.
The Hearing Panel heard evidence presented by the Dischargers
and Board staff and announced their decisions. The hearing
Panel will present their decisions at a future full
Board Meeting.
Santa Catalina Island Company
Morton Price
On September 28, 2000, the Executive Officer issued
Complaint No. 00-102 against the Santa Catalina Island
Company for violations of its Waste Discharge Requirements
and provisions of the California Water Code by illegally
disposing of sewage sludge from the Two Harbors Sewage
Treatment Plant. The Complaint was heard by a Regional
Board Hearing Panel on January 5, 2001.
Pnuemo Abex Aerospace, Incorporated
Morton Price
On November 22, 2000, the Executive Officer issued Mandatory
Minimum Administrative Civil Liability No. 00-152, in
the amount of $3,000 to Pnuemo Abex Aerospace, Incorporated
for exceeding their discharge limits for chromium and
copper on September 21, 2000. The Complaint was heard
by a Regional Board Hearing Panel on January 5, 2001.
Mandatory Minimum Penalty -- HR Textron, Inc.
Sam Unger
On December 27, 2000, the Executive Officer issued a
complaint for administrative civil liability, in the
amount of $3,000, against HR Textron, Inc. for violation
of the effluent limit for bromoform in wastes discharged
under Order No. 99-066, which serves as NPDES Permit
No. CA0003271. The California Water Code subsection
13385(h) defines bromoform as a Category II pollutant.
Effluent limit violations of Category II pollutants
by at least 20% are serious violations for which a minimum
penalty in the amount of $3,000 per serious violation
is required. HR Textron, Inc. violated the effluent
limit for bromoform by 390% on March 14, 2000.
Mandatory Minimum Penalty -- HPG Management
Morton Price
On December 27, 2000, the Executive Officer issued a
complaint for administrative civil liability, in the
amount of $3,000, against HPG Management for violation
of the effluent limit for biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD) in wastes discharged under Order No. 97-043, which
serves as NPDES Permit No. CAG994002. The California
Water Code subsection 13385(h) defines BOD as a Category
I pollutant. Effluent limit violations of Category I
pollutants by at least 40% are serious violations for
which a minimum penalty in the amount of $3,000 per
serious violation is required. HPG Management violated
the effluent limit for BOD by 713% on March 9, 2000.
Mandatory Minimum Penalty -- Ormond Beach Power
Generation L.L.C.
Sam Unger
On December 27, 2000, the Executive Officer issued a
complaint for administrative civil liability, in the
amount of $3,000, against the Ormond Beach Power Generation
L.L.C. for violation of the effluent limit for total
suspended solids in wastes discharged under Order No.
94-132, which serves as NPDES Permit No. CA0001198.
The California Water Code subsection 13385(h) defines
TSS as a Category I pollutant. Effluent limit violations
of Category I pollutants by at least 40% are serious
violations for which a minimum penalty in the amount
of $3,000 per serious violation is required. The Ormond
Beach Power Generation L.L.C. violated the effluent
limit for TSS by 40% on September 11, 2000.
Mandatory Minimum Penalty -- Spyglass Homeowners
Association
Sam Unger
On December 27, 2000, the Executive Officer issued a
complaint for administrative civil liability, in the
amount of $3,000, against Spyglass Homeowners Association
for violation of the effluent limit for total suspended
solids in wastes discharged under Order No. 97-045,
which serves as NPDES Permit No. CAG994001. The California
Water Code subsection 13385(h) defines TSS as a Category
I pollutant. Effluent limit violations of Category I
pollutants by at least 40% are serious violations for
which a minimum penalty in the amount of $3,000 per
serious violation is required. Spyglass Homeowners Association
violated the effluent limit for TSS by 348% on February
4, 2000.
Mandatory Minimum Penalty -- City of Los Angeles,
Department of Water and Power
Morton Price
On December 27, 2000, the Executive Officer issued a
complaint for administrative civil liability, in the
amount of $3,000, against the City of Los Angeles, Department
of Water and Power for violation of the effluent limit
for oil and grease in wastes discharged under Order
No. 00-172, which serves as NPDES Permit No. CA0064149.
The California Water Code subsection 13385(h) defines
oil and grease as a Category I pollutant. Effluent limit
violations of Category I pollutants by at least 40%
are serious violations for which a minimum penalty in
the amount of $3,000 per serious violation is required.
The City of Los Angeles, Department of Water and Power
violated the effluent limit for oil and grease by 80%
on September 20, 2000.
Redman Equipment and Manufacturing Company
Sam Unger
On January 9, 2001, the Executive Officer issued Complaint
No. 00-197-R for administrative civil liability, in
the amount of $6,000, against Redman Equipment and Manufacturing
Company for violations of the effluent limits for total
suspended solids (TSS) and oil and grease in wastes
discharged under Order No. 00-065, which serves as NPDES
Permit No. CA0058726. The California Water Code section
13385 (h) defines TSS and oil and grease as Category
I pollutants. Effluent limit violations of Category
I pollutants by at least 40% are serious violations
for which a minimum penalty in the amount of $3,000
per serious violation is required. Redman Equipment
and Manufacturing violated the effluent limit for TSS
by 60% on February 23, 2000, and the effluent limit
for oil and grease by 93% on February 23, 2000 and 180%
on April 17, 2000. The Executive Officer considered
the violations for TSS and oil and grease on February
23, 2000 to be caused by a single operational event,
and, in accordance with California Water Code section
13385(f), treated the violations as a single violation.
Waste Discharge Requirements for Dischargers in
Malibu
Rick Vergets
During the December 7, 2000 and January 11, 2001, Regional
Board hearings, Regional Board staff presented a total
of 4 Waste Discharge Requirements for Dischargers in
Malibu. The Board adopted the four WDR's, three of which
included Time Schedule Orders and one included a Cease
and Desist Order. The adoption of the WDR's is a significant
step toward improving the groundwater and surface water
quality in Malibu. The Dischargers covered by the WDR's
are now required to substantially upgrade their sewage
disposal systems to include effluent and groundwater
monitoring, disinfection, and nutrient removal.
General Waste Discharge Requirements For Small
Commercial And Multifamily Residential Subsurface Sewage
Disposal Systems
Hugh Marley
On December 5, 2000, the Regional Board Executive Officer
issued and solicited public comments for tentative General
Waste Discharge requirements for small commercial and
multifamily residential subsurface sewage disposal systems
in accordance with the California Water Code (CWC) Sections
13260(a) (1) and 13263(i). Board staff conducted two
public workshops, one on December 19, 2000 and the second
on December 20, 2000. Staff have received only a limited
number of comments to date. The comments have been addressed
as appropriate. Staff will bring the general WDRs for
consideration by the Board at the January 25, 2001 Board
Meeting.
City of Los Angeles
On January 8, 2001, the USEPA and Regional Board filed
suit against the City of Los Angeles for repeated sanitary
sewer overflows from the City's wastewater collection
system. Many of these sewage overflows are violations
of the Clean Water Act. The EPA and Regional Board also
filed a motion to combine the suit with the Santa Monica
Baykeeper's lawsuit, filed in 1998, against the City
of Los Angeles similar violations of the Clean Water
Act. The lawsuit addresses both dry weather and wet
weather overflows, including capacity, maintenance,
infiltration, grease control, and odor issues.
STORMWATER
PROGRAM
Industrial
Focus Area (110/Alameda/710 Corridors)
Yi Lu
During this current wet weather season, staff are focusing
compliance efforts on the heavily industrialized 110/Alameda/710
corridors (and will continue working south toward the
Ports of LA and Long Beach during next year's wet weather
season). Over 800 industrial facilities are in this
industrial focus area. In order to target the highest
risk facilities, staff in the San Gabriel Unit completed
development of screening criteria, and applied the screening
criteria to the 800 facilities, targeting about one-quarter
of these facilities for rigorous compliance inspections.
In addition to location within one of the three corridors,
other key elements of the screening criteria include:
-
permittees with administrative violations (e.g. delinquent
annual reports and/or annual fees);
- permittees
in high-risk industrial sectors, based on self-reported
SIC codes;
- monitoring
data showing exceedances of USEPA benchmark parameters
and, in particular, exceedances of 303(d) metal pollutants;
and
- selected
group monitoring plan participants.
Staff
are now conducting the compliance inspections, including
a review of facilities' SWPPPs (Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Plans).
Industrial
General Permit - Compliance Issues
Yi Lu In early July, 78% of 2,586 permittees had complied
with the July 1st deadline for submittal of annual reports
of self-monitoring for 1999/00. Staffs' informal enforcement
efforts since then, including numerous phone calls,
Notices of Non-compliance, and Notices of Violations,
have improved this compliance rate to over 98% as of
December 31, 2000. Those permittees whose annual reports
remain delinquent are now subject to enforcement actions,
including minimum penalties specified in The Storm Water
Enforcement Act of 1998. Net of the pending resolution
of problematic NOT cases, there are about 40 permittees
who remain delinquent.
The
self-monitoring requirement in the general permits includes
collection and analyses of runoff from two storms. Although
compliance rates for submittal of annual reports have
improved markedly (as described above), many of the
past annual reports are incomplete, as permittees frequently
failed to collect storm water samples. Accordingly,
on December 14, 2000, staff sent out warning letters
to approximately 800 facilities located in the industrial
focus area for this year's workplan (i.e. the 110/Alameda/710
Corridors). These letters reminded permittees to collect
storm water runoff samples during this rainy season,
to submit the annual reports by July 1, 2001, and further
warned permittees of penalties they would be subject
to for failure to comply.
Notices
of Termination (NOT)
Yi Lu
During the first half of this fiscal year (July through
December 2000), staff processed 377 NOTs, reducing the
backlog from approximately 300 (originally reported
as 400) to a level of 30. These 30 pending NOT applications
are all problematic cases (e.g. applicant cannot be
located), and need additional research. In light of
the priority to intensify our field presence during
this wet weather season, compliance inspections will
take higher priority than NOT processing; during the
4th quarter (after the rainy season), staffs' efforts
will shift back from compliance inspections to NOT processing.
Industrial
Storm Water Program Non-Filers Follow-up
Ivar Ridgeway
The
City of Los Angeles recently completed a Supplemental
Environmental Project (SEP) under the Regional Board
direction and supervision. The SEP identified a total
of 204 industrial facilities that may be potential non-filers
in a four square mile area within the 110/Alameda/710
corridors. Staff are contacting these facilities in
batches of 25 over the next three months. To date, 75
level 1 enforcement letters (i.e. Notices to Comply,
or NTCs) have been sent out. Out of these 75 potential
non-filers, 13 have been brought into compliance (enrolled
in the General Permit program), 15 have moved or ceased
business (letters have been returned by the post office),
and 12 have violated the 30-day period to come into
compliance and have therefore been sent level 2 letters
(Notices of Violation). The remaining recipients have
until January 18, 2001 to come into compliance. Those
who fail to come into compliance within 30 days after
receiving an NOV will be subject to Level 3 enforcement
(penalties), including those minimum penalties specified
in The Storm Water Enforcement Act of 1998.
Storm
Water Hotline Up and Running
Megan Fisher
In order to provide better provide prompt and efficient
service, the Storm Water Section has created an automated
Storm Water Hotline and Voicemail System (213-576-6753).
The Hotline greets callers and allows them to choose
the storm water subject about which they have questions:
Industrial, Construction or Municipal. After choosing
a subject of interest, the caller can listen to information
and answers to questions that were developed based on
call history and frequently asked questions. If the
Hotline does not answer a caller's question, they have
the option to leave a message at any time. Also, for
specific municipal permits, callers can choose to be
forwarded directly to the appropriate staff person's
phone. Staff checks and responds to messages promptly.
To date, the new automated system has been positively
received. The Hotline features will be also available
on the upcoming Storm Water Section Web page.
Storm
Water Construction Site Inspector Training
Matt Yeager
On December 13, 2000, Regional Board staff from the
Ventura Storm Water Unit participated in a field training
session for construction site inspectors. Pete Whitney
(Senior Inspector from Ventura County Flood Control
District) led the inspectors on a tour of several sites
in Simi Valley, providing examples of good and bad practices
commonly found. This training has enhanced understanding
and cooperation between the Regional Board and Ventura
County on construction site problems, and should greatly
improve consistency among inspectors.
REMEDIATION
Impacted
Water Supply Wells in the City of South Gate
Regional Board staff
On December 11, 2000, Regional Board staff met with
the City of South Gate officials and water purveyors
to discuss recent groundwater quality data indicating
chromium contamination in additional South Gate water
supply wells. Staff agreed to provide the water purveyors
with the locations (and geographical information system
[GIS] maps) of the Regional Board sites impacted with
chromium 6 and/or locations of sites with groundwater
monitoring wells that can be sampled for chromium. Regular
meetings are also scheduled with South Gate officials
to plan an approach for identifying potential chromium
sources and share information.
Revised
Cleanup and Abatement Order 95-048 for Former Boeing
C-1 Facility in Long Beach
John Geroch
Cleanup and Abatement Order 95-048 has been updated
and revised in response to Boeing Realty Corporation
(BRC) expedited site assessment, remediation and redevelopment
schedule. Updates include the following: 1) the completion
of a phase I site-wide evaluation of additional potential
sources of soil and/or groundwater contamination; 2)
completion of petroleum hydrocarbon plume characterization
at the West Ramp area; 3) the initiation of a site-wide
soil and groundwater investigation program including
additional groundwater contaminant characterization
at the Building 5 and 10 areas; and 4) the development
of site-wide soil and groundwater remedial goals.
Along with the above-mentioned revisions, approval was
also granted for the following: 1) the use of various
oxidizing and/or aerobic degradation enhancement compounds
for expedited pilot studies and full-scale remediation
of groundwater contamination; and 2) a revised compliance
schedule "Attachment A," which includes revised monitoring
schedules and establishes new schedules for the additional
characterization, remedial and monitoring activities.
UNDERGROUND
STORAGE TANK PROGRAM
Charnock
Sub-basin MTBE Investigation Area
Dr. Weixing Tong
At present there are 26 active sites in the Charnock
Sub-Basin. Of the 26 active sites, site assessment has
been completed at 14 sites, whereas there are 12 sites
where additional site assessment work is required. Groundwater
monitoring is being performed at all the sites. A total
of ten sites have approved remediation workplans for
the cleanup of the soil and/or groundwater. One additional
site has a cleanup workplan under review.
On
March 10, 2000, the Agencies issued draft scope of work
to perform Initial Regional Response Activities scope
of work (SOW) for regional investigation and propose
remediation alternatives. The draft SOW was issued to
Shell/Shell Products/Equilon (together as "Shell") and
other PRPs. Shell has submitted a good faith offer that
met some of the requirements of the Initial Regional
Response Activities Scope of Work. The offer from the
other PRPs had contingencies that the Agencies could
not agree to.
The Regional Board and Shell have entered into a Stipulated
Agreement containing a specified Scope of Work to perform
regional investigation and analysis of alternatives
for both Interim Water Replacement and Interim Regional
Response Actions. The Regional Board members at the
August 31, 2000 meeting approved the Stipulated Agreement.
As part of this investigation, a number of groundwater
monitoring wells will be installed in the Upper Silverado
Aquifer to determine the plume source and characteristics
and perform periodic groundwater monitoring. This work
will require development of a basin-wide flow model,
develop a GIS database, evaluate alternate drinking
water sources within the Charnock Sub-Basin, evaluate
methods of treating polluted groundwater and restoring
the Charnock Sub-Basin Investigation Area to its full
beneficial use, and provide a community relations plan.
The work specified in the SOW is a necessary step to
restore the drinking water supply at the Charnock Wellfields.
The Agencies approved Shell's workplan for pilot boring
and/or groundwater monitoring well installations in
seven areas. Shell started the fieldwork on September
18, 2000. Twelve wells have been installed to date and
additional fieldwork is ongoing.
On
November 30, 2000, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) issued a Unilateral Administrative Order
(EPA Docket No. RCRA-7003-09-2001-0001) to fourteen
(14) Potential Responsible Parties (PRPs), representing
eleven (11) source sites, with respect to the Charnock
Sub-Basin MTBE groundwater pollution. That Order requires
these parties to participate and cooperate with Shell
Oil Company, Shell Products Company, and Equilon Enterprises,
LLC (collectively "Shell") named in USEPA's Administrative
Order on Consent ("AOC") dated July 25, 2000 (Docket
No. RCRA 7003-09-2000-0003) in performing the Initial
Regional Response Activities required by the Scope of
Work ("SOW") contained within the AOC. The Board issued
a support letter on December 11, 2000.
The Agencies have directed Shell site (PRP No. 11) to
restart the soil vapor extraction system and increase
the pumping rate of groundwater treatment system to
140 gallons per minute (gpm). Shell has met these requirements
on time. Shell also submitted a work plan to evaluate
full utilization of groundwater treatment plant capacity.
To response to Shell's pumping rate increase, Mobil
has also increased the pumping rate for the Shallow
Unnamed Aquifer treatment system at PRP site No. 8 (Mobil
Service Station No. 18-FX5).
On December 11, 2000, the Regional Board issued a Cleanup
and Abatement Order CAO-00-160 to Chevron U.S.A. Incorporated,
Thrifty Oil Company, and Best California Gas Limited
(Chevron/Thrifty/Best) for PRP Site No. 23 (former Chevron/Thrifty
No. 247). The Order requires Chevron/Thrifty/Best to
perform supplemental hydrogeologic investigations onsite
and offsite between the site and the Charnock Wellfield,
and to complete onsite and offsite soil and groundwater
cleanup on a timely basis per the schedule set forth
in the Order.
On December 15, 2000, the Agencies sent out the final
version of General Requirements for Subsurface Investigations
at Potential Source-Sites in the Charnock Sub-Basin
Investigation Area ("General Requirements") to all 26
PRPs.
Arcadia
Wellfield MTBE Investigation
Jay Huang
The shallow aquifer and lower aquifer in the vicinity
of the former Mobil Station 18-LDM have been treated
with a pump and treat system since October 1997. Currently
approximately 26 gallons per minute (GPM) of groundwater
are being pumped from 17 groundwater extraction wells
of the shallow and lower aquifers and treated at the
Mobil facility. To date (November 29, 2000) the treatment
system has pumped 17.4 million gallons of groundwater
and removed an estimated amount of 74.6 pounds of TPH
and 200 pounds of MTBE. The average MTBE concentration
in the shallow aquifer influent has been decreased from
over 2,000 mg/L in 1998 to 110 mg/L in November 2000.
The average MTBE concentration in the lower aquifer
influent has increased from 200 mg/L in April 2000 to
680 mg/L in October 2000. The impacted soil in the vadose
zone has been treated with a vapor extraction system
(VES). The cumulative VOC mass removed is 11,317 pounds
since May 1999.
A
Production Aquifer Remediation System (PARS) using activated
carbon filtering to clean up the production aquifer
has been in operation since May 17, 2000. PARS is composed
of four carbon vessels each containing 24,000 pounds
of Calgons' F600 carbon. Currently groundwater from
Arcadia Well No.5 are being pumped at 300 GPM and discharged
to a storm drain. To date (November 2000), the PARS
has pumped approximately 84.3 million gallons of groundwater
and removed 0.44 pounds of MTBE. The average daily influent
concentration of MTBE was to 0.2 mg/L (November 2000).
A spiking demonstration test designed to further evaluate
system reliability and effectiveness has been conducted
for 45 days since November 7, 2000. MTBE up to 200 mg/L
has been spiked for 45 days and TBA up to 50 mg/L has
been spiked along with MTBE for seven days. The spiking
test has been successfully completed and ended on December
19, 2000. Mobil is preparing a report summarizing the
result of spiking demonstration test to DHS. After the
PARS has been tested and approved for operation by the
DHS, the treated water from Arcadia Well No. 5 will
be routed to Santa Monica treatment plant for distribution
to the public.
Completion
of Corrective Action at Leaking Underground Fuel Storage
Tank Sites
Regional Board staff have reviewed corrective actions
taken for soil and/or groundwater contamination problems
from leaking UST's for the time of November 13, 2000,
through January 5, 2001 and determined that no further
corrective actions are required:
ExxonMobil Service Station No. 7-3956, La Puente (I-05103)
Former Raja's ARCO Service Station, San Gabreil (R-13616A)
Former Texaco Service Station, San Dimas (I-12174)
Earl Defount Property, Long Beach (908050470)
ARAMARK Uniform Services Incorporated, Los Angeles (R-00277)
Shell Service Station No. 204-4531-4006, Commerce (I-01986)
Former Thrifty Service Station No. 259, Torrance (905030098)
ExxonMobil Service Station No. 18-E1B, Hacienda Heights
(I-05189)
Former Sunset Fuel Stop, La Puente (R-26360)
Former Chevron Service Station No. 11-1137, La Puente
(I-05100)
WATERSHED
REGULATORY
Beach
Water Quality Workgroup
Mark Pumford
On November 29, 2000, the Beach Water Quality Workgroup
met at Southern California Coastal Water Research Project
(SCCWRP). The focus of the meeting was to discuss the
availability of Prop 13 money, describe types of projects
that may qualify for funding, and to develop a list
of priority projects to meet the needs of the Workgroup.
Attendees, consisting of staff from State Board, Regional
Boards in Southern California, county health departments,
sewering agencies, and environmental groups, determined
that the top three needs for funding are: Develop rapid
and cheap indicators of bacterial contamination. Currently
analytical tests for bacterial indicators take 24 to
36 hours, or longer, to complete. Because of the time
it takes to run the analysis, the public is notified
of the results of the test for beach contamination at
a minimum of one day after the sample was collected.
The public will be better protected if bacterial contamination
can be detected in a rapid and cost efficient manner
and it will greatly enhance our capability to track
down sources of pathogens and to measure the effectiveness
of management practices.
-
Develop better source characterization methods. Once
contamination is detected at the beach it is important
to be able to characterize whether the source of the
contamination is human or non-human. This improves
our capability to narrow an investigation's focus
on potential upstream sources. AB 538 requires the
State to develop source-identification protocols.
The protocols will be used once contamination is detected
at the beach. We need to implement pilot projects
to test the methodologies - to test their feasibility
and to identify data gaps.
- B.
Better characterize runoff sources. Studies are needed
to determine the quality of water running off a variety
of land uses. The information about the contribution
of pathogens and their indicators from various land
uses can be used to determine load allocations in
TMDL development.
The
Santa Monica Bay Restoration Project study looked at
the health affects of one time exposure to swimming
in ocean waters near a stormdrain. Additional study
is needed to determine the affects of ocean water contact
(swimming, surfing, etc.) during wet weather when contamination
is more widespread. Also, we need to determine the health-effects
of long-term exposure to contaminated water. This information
is needed to validate present standards and identify
priorities based on health effects.
Alameda
Corridor Transportation Authority (CTA) Update - NPDES
No. CA0064351, Order No. 99-143, CI-8084
Augustine Anijielo
On December 12, 2000, the ACTA Oversight Committee met
in our office, discussed five Offset projects recommended
by the Sediment Task Force, and reviewed the status
of Alameda Corridor Special studies (Current Tracer
and Chelate stability studies). Though not included
in the recommended offset projects, a suggestion that
ACTA purchase alternative paint and/or provide a rebate
program for purchasing alternative paint for painting
boat hulls at the harbor received significant interest.
However,
partly because of the requirement that selected offset
should benefit the affected watershed the decision to
select an offset project was deferred. The committee
members discussed the results contained in a study report
entitled ACTA Laboratory Biological Studies: Bioaccumulation
of heavy metals in the clam Corbicular over 30, 60 and
90 days of exposure. The study indicates that there
were no significant bioaccumulations of metals in clams
maintained for 90 days in ACTA/EDTA effluent, except
for mercury. Based on a request from ACTA, the oversight
committee recommended that the EO reconsider an extension
of the deadlines to complete the Current and Tracer
studies to January 31, 2001 and for submittal of the
final studies report to February 28, 2001.
Bioassessment
Workgroup
L.B. Nye
On
November 27 and 28, 2000, staff attended the seventh
annual meeting of the California Aquatic Bioassessment
Workgroup hosted by California Department of Fish and
Game in Sacramento, California. Topics included updates
from State and Regional Boards in regard to how bioassessment
is being implemented around the state. Other topics
included updates from USEPA, US Forest Service, USGS,
and Citizen Monitoring Workgoups in regard to bioassessment
and its role in water quality assessment. Region 4 has
recently added bioassessment at the Santa Clara River
estuary to its current programs that include bioassessment:
Ventura County Municipal Storm Water permit, Calleguas
Creek Watershed Characterization Study, and ambient
watershed monitoring.
General
Permitting Unit
General
Permit Authorization/Revision and Recession -- October
2000 to December 2000
|
General Permit type and Facility name & Location |
Date of Coverage |
Date of Revision |
Date of Termination |
|
|
A. |
NPDES CAG994001 (Order No. 97-045) Dewatering (no treatment) |
|||
|
1 |
City of Oxnard, Cypress Road Storm Drain Improvement Project, Oxnard |
10/03/00 |
||
|
2 |
Valencia Company, Creekside Bank Stabilization Project, San Francisquito Creek, north of Newhall Ranch Road, Santa Clarita |
10/05/00 |
||
|
3 |
Valencia Company, West Creek Bank Stabilization Project, San Francisquito Creek, South of Copper Hill Bridge, Santa Clarita |
10/05/00 |
||
|
4 |
Calleguas Municipal Water District, Calleguas Conduit Rehabilitation Project, Mandera Rd & Wood Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks |
10/11/00 |
||
|
5 |
Ventura County Flood Control Department, Ventura River at Santa Ana Bridge Crossing, Oak View |
10/30/00 |
||
|
6 |
LA County Department of Public Works, Marina Del Rey 24-inch Feedline, Abbot Kinney-Washington Blvd, Marina del Ray |
11/01/00 |
||
|
7 |
TABC, Inc. Installation of Metal Stamping Press and Auxiliary Equipment, 6375 Paramount Blvd, Long Beach |
11/02/00 |
||
|
8 |
Cerritos Redevelopment Agency – Civic Center Facility, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos |
11/3/00 |
||
|
9 |
LA Department of Water & Power, Sepulveda Basin Water Reclaim Pipeline, Woodley Avenue, Los Angeles |
11/3/00 |
||
|
10 |
Southern California Water Company, Yukon Wells, Inglewood |
11/29/00 |
||
|
11 |
City of San Buenaventrua – Spinnaker Lift Station, 1400 Angler Road, Ventura |
11/30/00 |
||
|
12 |
Maple Associates – Underground Parking Facility Construction – 407 North Maple Drive – Beverly Hills |
12/14/00 |
||
|
13 |
City of Arcadia – Anoakia Water Supply Well, West End of Anoakia Lane – Arcadia |
12/22/00 |
||
|
14 |
Walnut Valley Water District – Well Construction and Pump Tests – City of Pomona and City of Industry |
12/19/00 |
||
|
15 |
Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster – Strategic Well Testing – For The Baldwin Park Operable Unit |
12/14/00 |
||
|
B. |
NPDES CAG994002 (Order No. 97-043) Dewatering (treatment required) |
|||
|
1 |
Tosco Refining Company, Pier S Terminal Development Project, Long Beach |
10/02/00 |
||
|
2 |
Caseden Properties, Inc. – Parcel B, 340 Hauser Blvd., & 5880 W Third Street, Los Angeles |
11/20/00 |
||
|
3 |
Southern California Water Company – Yukon Wells – 3541 West 111th Street, Inglewood |
11/20/00 |
||
|
C. |
NPDES CAG674001 (Order No. 97-047) Hydrostatic Test Water |
|||
|
1 |
LA Department of Water & Power, Sepulveda Basin Water Reclaim Pipeline, Woodley Avenue, Los Angeles |
11/3/00 |
||
|
2 |
Southern California Gas Company- Fair Oaks Ranch Relocation Project – Santa Clarita |
12/1/00 |
||
|
3 |
Southern California Gas Company – McBean Parkway Bus Transfer Station – Santa Clarita |
12/1/00 |
||
|
4 |
LA Department of Water & Power—Hollywood Reservoir Project – Los Angeles |
12/22/00 |
||
|
D. |
NPDES CAG994003 (Order No. 98-055) Nonprocess Wastewater (no treatment) |
|||
|
1 |
BOC Gases, El Segundo Facility, 890 E. El Segundo Blvd., El Segundo |
10/18/00 |
||
|
2 |
Glendale Center, 611 North Brand Blvd, Glendale |
10/02/00 |
||
|
3 |
Southern California Water Company, Truro Iron and Manganese Filtration Plant, 11305 Truro Avenue, Inglewood |
11/03/00 |
||
|
4 |
Sea Castle Apartments – 1725 Ocean Front Walk, Subterranean Parking Garage Sub Drain – Santa Monica |
12/5/00 |
||
REGIONAL PROGRAMS
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) and Basin Plan
Amendments
Calleguas
Watershed - Chloride TMDL
Elizabeth Erickson
The draft Basin Plan Amendment for a chloride TMDL is
being prepared for discussion at a public workshop this
fall. For further information or to be placed on the
mailing list, please call Melinda Becker at (213) 576-6681
or Elizabeth Erickson at (213) 576-6683.
Santa Clara River – Chloride Basin Plan Amendment
Elizabeth Erickson
Staff has recommended increasing the chloride objectives
for two areas within the Santa Clara River. In the Santa
Paula reach the objective would be raised from 80 mg/L
to 100 mg/L, and in the Santa Clarita reaches from 100
mg/L to 143 mg/L. The increase in the chloride objective
is considered to be fully supportive of the existing
beneficial uses, including agricultural water supply.
The crops that are most sensitive to chloride concentrations
are avocados and strawberries. This item was continued
from the April 13, 2000 Regional Board meeting. An addendum
staff report issued on July 26, 2000, provided a detailed
analysis of potential costs associated with the proposed
amendment. A summary of recent activities related to
this item is provided as follows.
Technical Working Group Meeting - A
technical working group meeting was held on October
16, 2000, at the Regional Board offices to discuss the
contents of the proposed Basin Plan Amendment.
Addendum Staff Report - An addendum staff
report was e-mailed to interested parties on November
6, 2000; and hardcopies were mailed on November 7, 2000.
This report is an addendum to earlier staff reports
issued on February 25, 2000 and July 26, 2000. The report
includes staff's recommendation to increase the chloride
objective. New information since the July 26th
staff report includes a finding that a Restricted Agricultural
Water Supply Beneficial Use designation will not be
required. This finding is based on new information supplied
by Newhall Land and Farming which indicates that avocados
never were grown in the Santa Clarita reaches because
of cooler temperatures. Therefore, avocado cultivation
does not represent an "existing beneficial" use in that
reach. Based on this new information, the concern for
avocado production is now limited to reaches downstream
from the Blue Cut Gauging Station. The staff report
also provides an updated analysis of costs, includes
a description of new developments, documents public
outreach efforts, and includes a response to public
comments received since the July 26th staff
report.
Public Forum - Two public forums were
conducted to discuss the proposed Basin Plan Amendment
on November 16, 2000, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the City
of Santa Clarita’s Council Chambers. The purposes of
the public forums were to inform residents of staff's
most recent findings and to receive public comments.
This item is scheduled to be heard by the Regional Board
on December 7, 2000, at the Metropolitan Water District
Board Room at 700 North Alameda in Los Angeles.
For copies of the proposed resolution and Basin Plan
amendment, or to be placed on the mailing list, call
Sandra Kelley at (213) 576 6619.
Proposed Resolution to Extend the Interim Chloride
Policy in Calleguas Creek and the Santa Clara River
A Draft Resolution to extend the interim chloride
limits, as provided for in the Chloride Policy (Regional
Board Resolution No. 97-02), was released for public
comment of November 7, 2000. The proposed resolution
would extend the interim chloride discharge limits of
190 mg/L in Calleguas Creek and the Santa Clara River
for a period of one year. The interim limit is set to
expire on January 29, 2001. The extension will provide
time for the completion of the Chloride TMDL in Calleguas
Creek and the proposed Basin Plan Amendment to increase
the chloride objective in the Santa Clara River.
This item is scheduled to be heard by the Regional Board
on December 7, 2000, at the Metropolitan Water District
Board Room at 700 North Alameda in Los Angeles.
For further information or to be placed on the mailing
list, please call Melinda Becker at (213) 576-6681 or
Elizabeth Erickson at (213) 576-6683.
Staff Attend Western States TMDL Practitioner's
Conference
Several Regional Board staff members attended
U.S. EPA's Western States Practitioner's Conference
in San Diego, California during the week of November
13. Representatives from several western
states shared their experiences in developing TMDLs.
Presentations were grouped into sediment, temperature,
nutrient, and pathogen TMDLs and on modeling approaches.
EPA staffer, Terry Flemming, made a presentation on
the nutrient and pathogen TMDL for the Los Angeles River.
Several people attended a follow-up breakout session
to discuss the unique challenges posed by urban streams.
Nonpoint Source Program
Raymond Jay
Nonpoint Source Workshop
The
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Unit held its First Semi-Annual
Nonpoint Workshop December 5, 2000, at the Regional
Board office. The purpose of this workshop was to gather
NPS stakeholders, the interested public, and regulatory
agencies to discuss the NPS Program and its related
issues. The Regional Board presented information regarding
NPS pollution, the State Plan, grants and funding, the
NPS program and its authority, and how we should all
work cooperatively in order to improve our water quality.
The second half of the workshop focused on the newly
released Proposition 13 (2000 Water Bond) Request for
Proposals (RFPs). Additional questions can be directed
to Raymond Jay at (213) 576-6689.
Proposition
13
In
March 2000, California voters approved Prop. 13, which
authorizes the State of California to sell $1.97 billion
in general obligation bonds to support safe drinking
water, water quality, flood protection, and water reliability
projects throughout the state. RFPs will be distributed
during the NPS Workshop, and information regarding the
proposal and contract process will be discussed. The
deadline for submitting RFPs is February 1, 2001. Detailed
information can be found on the SWRCB’s Proposition
13 web page at: http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/prop13/index.html.
Section
401 Water Quality Certification Program
The
following Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC)
actions have been issued since the preparation of the
last Executive Officers Report:
|
DATE OF ISSUANCE |
APPLICANT |
PROJECT |
ACTION |
|
October 24, 2000 |
Southern California Edison |
Fall Creek Access Road Repair Project |
Conditional WQC |
|
October 25, 2000 |
City of Simi Valley |
Dry Canyon Detention Basin |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 1, 2000 |
Pomona College and Padova Padua Hills |
Modified Padova Padua Hills Project |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 1, 2000 |
Robert Brown and James Cote |
Coyote Creek Stabilization Structure |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 1, 2000 |
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Wilbur Creek Channel Invert Access Ramp Project |
Standard WQC |
|
November 6, 2000 |
Larwin Company |
Vesting Tentative Tract No. 52790 |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 6, 2000 |
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Walnut Creek Invert Repair Project |
Standard WQC |
|
November 14, 2000 |
City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power |
Sepulveda Basin Water Recycling Project |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 14, 2000 |
County of Ventura Transportation Department |
Moorpark Road Realignment Project |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 14, 2000 |
County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works |
Magic Mountain Parkway |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 14, 2000 |
SunCal Companies |
Dayton Canyon Estates |
Conditional WQC |
|
November 29, 2000 |
Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority |
Long Beach Lead Bridge |
Conditional WQC |
Certification
actions recently issued and project descriptions for
applications currently being reviewed can be viewed
from our Web Site located at http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/rwqcb4/html/meetings/401wqc.html.
For additional information regarding our Section 401
Program, please contact Anthony Klecha at (213) 576-6785.
Any
petitions for the appeal of a Section 401 WQC action
must be filed within 30 days of the date of its issuance.
We encourage public input during the certification process.
|
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES |
Storm
Water Presentation to the San Gabriel Basin Group
Yi
Lu
On
November 21, 2000, staff presented recent developments
in Regional Board’s storm water program to the San Gabriel
Basin Group at the Aerojet facility in Irwindale. Approximately
50 industrial representatives of permitted facilities
in the area showed up.
Presentation
to a Delegate from China
Yi
Lu
On
November 9, 2000, staff gave a brief introduction of
our Storm Water Program and Well Investigation Program
to a delegate from the People’s Republic of China. The
U.S. State Department sponsored the Chinese delegate’s
visit to promote the understanding of environmental
regulations and technologies in the U.S.
Southern
California Regional Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
Task Force (CAFO)
Augustine Anijielo
On
November 7, 2000, Regional Board staff attended the
inaugural meeting for the Southern California Regional
CAFO Task Force in Riverside. Julie Wukouits and O.Z.
Robertson both of USEPA-Criminal Investigation Division,
San Diego, chaired the task force meeting. The task
force is patterned after a similar Northern California
CAFO task force that proved very successful in ensuring
consistency of enforcement at CAFO facilities. This
CAFO task force will serve as region-wide and cross-county
mechanisms for bringing about consistency in regulation
among different agencies/jurisdictions and for sharing
information regarding violations with specific CAFOs
(e.g., dairies, feedlots, horse racetracks, egg ranches,
horse stables, hog ranches, etc). In our region we have
CAFO issues relating to horse racetracks and ranches.
Participation in the task force should enhance and facilitate
the enforcement capabilities of attending agencies.
The task force proceeding will not be limited to criminal
enforcement, but will include other types of administrative
enforcement related issues. Attendees at the meeting
included federal, state, county and city agencies. The
meeting was organized as a brainstorming session to
obtain input from attendees on what they expect out
of the task force. Some attendees questioned the purpose
of the task force, since there are other task forces
within the Southern Counties addressing similar issues.
The next task force meeting is scheduled for December
12, 2000. Tentative topics to be covered during the
training include case histories, sampling, photographing,
what to look for during inspections, applicable statutes,
and a discussion of problems encountered in Northern
California.
Presentation
to American Society of Plumbing Engineers
Xavier
Swamikannu
On
October 25, 2000, staff presented the Regional Board’s
new development and redevelopment requirements for urban
runoff/ storm water mitigation at the Los Angeles area
chapter meeting of the American Society of Plumbing
Engineers in Santa Ana. The audience included product
manufacturers, consultants, and local government officials.
Presentation
at the Waste Management Forum
Xavier
Swamikannu
On
November 16, 2000, staff provided the "Regulatory Perspective"
on Standard Urban Storm Water Mitigation Plans at the
Waste Management Forum in the City of Industry. Staff
was joined at the session by representatives from the
Building Industry of Southern California, the Natural
Resources Defense Council, and a local government legal
counsel. Attendees to the conference included consultants,
waste management professionals, local elected representatives,
and members of the public.
Friends
of the San Gabriel River—Citizen Monitoring Forum
Staff
made presentations at a forum sponsored by the Friends
of the San Gabriel River, on Saturday, November 11,
2000, at the Rio Hondo Golf Course. Staff provided an
overview of the state of the San Gabriel River watershed
and Ms. Becker described the Total Maximum Daily Load
(TMDL) program and the Regional Board's response to
the consent decree between Heal the Bay, Santa Monica
BayKeeper et al. and U.S. EPA.
Other
presenters at the forum were Bill Di Poto from the Los
Angeles County Department of Public Works; Jim Harrington,
California Department of Fish and Game; Mark Abramson,
Heal the Bay; Heather Trim, Los Angeles & San Gabriel
Rivers Watershed Council; Joan Greenwood, Friends of
the Los Angeles River; Emiko Kobayashi; Surfrider; and
Charlie Moore, Agalita Marine. Approximately 90 people
were in attendance.
Southern
California Waste Management 2000 Conference
Melinda
Becker was a guest speaker at the Southern California
Waste Management 2000 Conference, held at the City of
Industry Hyatt Regency Conference Center on Thursday,
November 16, 2000. The title of her talk was "TMDLs—Where
the Rubber Meets the Road." Approximately 150 people
attended the presentation.
Stormwater
Task Force
Jonathan
Bishop was a guest speaker at the Stormwater Task Force
meeting held in Sacramento, California, on Friday, November
17, 2000. Mr. Bishop represented the Regional Board
on a panel of TMDL experts. Other panel members included
Terry Flemming, representing U.S. EPA and Judith Wilson,
representing the City of Los Angeles, Sanitation District.
Blood
Drive
On
November 15, 2000, the Regional Board hosted a Red Cross
Blood drive which resulted in the collection of 27 pints
of blood. This blood, after being separated into four
components, was used within 48 hours to help 108 people.
|
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES |
Personnel
Report
Dolores Renick
As
of November 27 our staff total is 143: 124 technical
staff (including 3 part-time staff and 1 on a leave
of absence), 5 permanent administrative staff and 14
permanent clerical staff.
Staff
is currently taking steps to fill 2 Unit Chief positions,
24 technical staff positions, 1 administrative position
and 1 clerical position.
The
following appointment has been made:
Robert A. Sams, Staff Counsel, appointed 11/27/00.
The
following separated from Region 4:
Stephen Niou, Water Resource Control Engineer,
transferred to Department of Toxic Substances Control
effective 10/31/00.
Alex Puglisi, Environmental Specialist III, separated
from State Service effective 11/04/00.
PETITIONS
STATUS REPORT
A
table listing the petitions of Regional Board actions
pending before the State Board has been included with
this report.