Draft 2008 California 303(d)/305(b) Integrated Report

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Los Angeles Harbor - Inner Cabrillo Beach Area
Water Body ID: CAB4051200020050201175100
Water Body Type: Bay & Harbor
 
DECISION ID
5382
 
Pollutant: Copper
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: State determines water quality standard is being met
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 and 4.11 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Six lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Lines of Evidence 137 and 141 will not be considered in this decision because that data has been incorporated into the re-evaluated data which combines old and newer data and eliminates some previous exceedances due to remediation operations that have changed surface sediment conditions.

The Port of Los Angeles has created some shallow water habitat in Cabrillo Beach area which has added clean sediment on top of sample sites with elevated copper, thus conditions have improved and beneficial uses are no longer negatively impacted due to copper. Newer data, listed in LOE 28224, shows no copper exceedences.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. Zero of four water column samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration for copper.
4. Two of 16 samples exceeded the effects range median for copper for surface sediment samples and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. However, current conditions have changed due to the new shallow water habitat created in Cabrillo Beach area and may no longer be negatively impacted due to copper.
5. Zero of two of the samples listed in newer data, LOE 28224, shows no copper exceedences this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1
6. One of 14 samples were either moderately or highly toxic; however this sample result was historic (1992) and more recent sediment results (1993-1997) did not show elevated copper levels.
7. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5382
 
LOE ID: 137
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 16 sediment grab samples, 14 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use (LARWQCB, 1995)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: An Effects Range-Median of 270 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were spread throughout the Inner Cabrillo Beach area.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1992 and 1994.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28237
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of four samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration for copper. Water quality samples were taken and analyzed for copper in accordance with the Port of Los Angeles monitoring and testing parameters.
Data Reference: Port of Los Angeles Enhanced Water Quality Monitoring Data 2005-2006.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Toxics Rule lists a Criterion Continuous Concentrations of 3.1 ug/L for Copper to protect aquatic life in saltwater.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The Port of Los Angeles conducted water quality surveys in the Inner Cabrillo Beach area at station LA-05 (Lat: 33.7139, Long: -118.27823).
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken and analyzed on an semi-annual basis in 2005 and 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information unavailable.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28224
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of two samples exceeded the effects range median for copper. Sediment samples were taken and analyzed for copper in accordance with the monitoring and testing parameters listed Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Sediment Contaminant Flux study.
Data Reference: Los Angeles Harbor Inner Cabrillo Beach Area sediment data.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states that, "[s]urface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: Long et. al. lists a sediment effects range median of 270 ug/g dry weight for copper.
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: Sediment sampling was conducted in the Inner Cabrillo Beach area at sediment monitoring stations LA O-1 (Lat: 33.71185, Long: -118.2804) and LA O-2 (Lat: 33.71025, Long: -118.2818).
Temporal Representation: Composite samples were taken for both sediment monitoring stations on 10/09/2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Draft Sampling and Analysis Plan for Characterization of Sediment Contaminant Flux for the Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor Waterbodies to Support Sediment TMDL Implementation.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Sampling and Analysis Plan for Characterization of Sediment Contaminant Flux for the Inner Harbor and Outer Harbor Waterbodies to Support Sediment TMDL Implementation. Prepared for the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach.
 
LOE ID: 141
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of 52 sediment samples were toxic as compared to toxicity test controls (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use (LARWQCB, 1995)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was assessed by statistical comparison to test control.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: The 52 samples were spread throughout the Inner Cabrillo Beach area.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between 1992 and 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28238
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of 14 samples were either moderately or highly toxic; however this sample result was historic (1992) and more recent sediment results (1993-1997) did not show elevated copper levels.
Data Reference: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Sediment Toxicity data for Los Angeles/Long Beach Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Fish Harbor, Inner Cabrillo Beach area, the San Pedro Bay, and the Los Angeles River Estuary. 1999-2003.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: Bay et. al. classifies sediment toxicity based on the following survival percentages: Non toxic if greater than or equal to 80% survival; moderately toxic if between 50 to 80% survival; and highly toxic if less than 50% survival.
Guideline Reference: Southern California Bight 1998 Regional Monitoring Program. Volume IV.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of 14 stations were monitored in the Inner Cabrillo Beach area of the Los Angeles Harbor.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken and analyzed during spring/summer of 1992 to 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Bay Protection Toxic Clean up Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP. (BPTCP). Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board
 
LOE ID: 28239
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two out of 16 samples exceeded the effects range median for copper for surface sediment samples.
Data Reference: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Sediment Chemistry data for San Pedro Bay. 1992-1997.
  Los Angeles Harbor Inner Cabrillo Beach are shallow water habitat map.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states that, "[s]urface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use."
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: Long et. al. lists a sediment effects range median of 270 ug/g dry weight for copper.
Guideline Reference: Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuary sediments. Environmental Management. 19, (1): 81-97
 
Spatial Representation: A total of 14 stations were monitored in the Inner Cabrillo Beach area of the Port of Los Angeles which include the following stations: 28, 30, 136, 1006, 1008,1068,1069, 1070, 1071,1072, 1073, 1074, 1075, and 1076.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken and analyzed during spring/summer of 1992 to 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in State Water Resources Control Board's Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP. (BPTCP). Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board
 
DECISION ID
16651
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Line of evidence 141 will not be considered in this decision because data was taken from deeper cores. Deeper core samples do not impact beneficial uses.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. One of 14 samples exceeded the were either moderately or highly toxic and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 16651
 
LOE ID: 28238
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Marine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of 14 samples were either moderately or highly toxic; however this sample result was historic (1992) and more recent sediment results (1993-1997) did not show elevated copper levels.
Data Reference: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Sediment Toxicity data for Los Angeles/Long Beach Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Fish Harbor, Inner Cabrillo Beach area, the San Pedro Bay, and the Los Angeles River Estuary. 1999-2003.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: Bay et. al. classifies sediment toxicity based on the following survival percentages: Non toxic if greater than or equal to 80% survival; moderately toxic if between 50 to 80% survival; and highly toxic if less than 50% survival.
Guideline Reference: Southern California Bight 1998 Regional Monitoring Program. Volume IV.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of 14 stations were monitored in the Inner Cabrillo Beach area of the Los Angeles Harbor.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken and analyzed during spring/summer of 1992 to 1997.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Bay Protection Toxic Clean up Program Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP. (BPTCP). Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board