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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Los Angeles River Estuary (Queensway Bay)
Water Body ID: CAE4051200020020226101749
Water Body Type: Estuary
 
DECISION ID
5387
 
Pollutant: Lead (sediment)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) 525, will not be considered in this decision because the LOE included sediment samples from deeper cores, along with the samples taken from the surface. Deeper core samples do not impact beneficial uses. LOE 526 will not be considered in this decision because the data was already incorporated into the into LOE 534.

In 2002 this water segment-pollutant combination was listed based 8 of 18 samples listed in the Bay Protection Toxics Cleanup Program (BPTCP) which included data for deeper cores. In 2006 this water segment-pollutant combination was not delisted based on five of 27 exceedances in, BPTCP, LOE 526 and five of nine toxicity exceedances in LOE 534.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The sediment quality guideline used complies, with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
4. Zero of 14 surface estuarine sediment samples exceeded the probable effects level for lead and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
5. Seven of 14 surface sediment samples showed toxicity; however none were associated with elevated lead levels and this meets the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
6. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded and the original listing was faulty due to the use of data from deeper cores.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 5387
 
LOE ID: 525
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-seven samples, 5 samples exceeding (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Existing habitats and associated populations of wetlands fauna and flora shall be maintained by:

-Maintaining substrate characteristics necessary to support flora and fauna which would be present naturally,
-Protecting food supplies for fish and wildlife,
-Protecting reproductive and nursery areas, and
-Protecting wildlife corridors.

Basin Plan: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: PEL: 112.18 ug/g (McDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected synoptically with toxicity samples.
Temporal Representation: Samples taken in three different years.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of five sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic however none of these were associated with elevated lead or zinc concentrations.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states that, "[a]ll 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 five stations were monitored in the Los Angeles River Estuary: 4142, 4440, 4600, 4788, 4856.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were collected in the estuary in fall 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual
 
LOE ID: 28533
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of two samples exceeded the effects range median for lead in estuarine sediment. Sediment samples were taken and analyzed for lead in accordance with the monitoring and testing parameters listed Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Sediment Contaminant Flux study.
Data Reference: Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach sediment and overlaying and pore water 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: MacDonald et. al. lists a sediment probable effects level of 112.18 ug/g dry weight for lead.
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Sediment sampling was conducted in the two sites in the Los Angeles River Estuary.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were collected in the estuary in fall 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: 28532
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 12 samples exceeded the effects range median for lead in estuarine sediment.
Data Reference: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Sediment Metals data for the Los Angeles River Estuary. 1999-2003.
 
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: MacDonald et. al. lists a sediment probable effects level of 112.18 ug/g dry weight for lead.
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278
 
Spatial Representation: Several state sponsored studies were collecting sediment samples in the Los Angeles River Estuary, including BPTCP 1992-94, BPTCP 1996-97; Bight 1998; Bight 2003.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken and analyzed during spring/summer/fall.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Bay Protection Toxics Clean Program, Bight 1998, and Bight 2003 Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP. (BPTCP). Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board
  Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual
  Southern California Bight 1998 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 98) Quality Assurance Manual
 
LOE ID: 534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Overall, five of nine samples were toxic. This total was created from two different sediment studies within Los Angeles River Estuary. Three of 7 samples were toxic (BPTCP). Two of two samples were toxic (Bight, 1998). No samples were collected in 1999 (W-EMAP) (LARWQCB & CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan: All waters should be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological response in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Samples were considered toxic if; (1) there was a significant difference in mean organism response between the sample and the control, and (2) the mean organism response in the test, as a percent of the control, was less than the threshold based on the 90th percentile minimum significant difference value.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Nine sites were sampled throughout Los Angeles River Estuary.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 1992 thru 1994 and 1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Contaminated Sediment Task Force (2005) and references therein (BPTCP QAPP, Bight 1998 QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 527
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The benthic community was classified as transitional (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan (LARWQCB, 1995): Existing habitats and associated populations of wetlands fauna and flora shall be maintained by:

-Maintaining substrate characteristics necessary to support flora and fauna which would be present naturally,
-Protecting food supplies for fish and wildlife,
-Protecting reproductive and nursery areas, and
-Protecting wildlife corridors.

Basin Plan (LARWQCB, 1995): Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Evaluation of the benthic data were completed using the approaches developed by scientists associated with the BPTCP. The relative benthic index used is a calculated value considering the total fauna, total mollusk species, crustacean species and indicator species at a site. The index ranges from 0 to 1.0. An index value of less than or equal to 0.3 is an indication that pollutants or other factors are negatively impacting the benthic community.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected synoptically with sediment and toxicity samples.
Temporal Representation: Samples taken in 2 different years.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 526
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of six sediment samples were found to be significantly toxic to amphipod (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Existing habitats and associated populations of wetlands fauna and flora shall be maintained by:

-Maintaining substrate characteristics necessary to support flora and fauna which would be present naturally,
-Protecting food supplies for fish and wildlife,
-Protecting reproductive and nursery areas, and
-Protecting wildlife corridors.

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: BPTCP reference envelope approach used.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected synoptically with sediment samples.
Temporal Representation: Samples taken in 2 different years.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: BPTCP Quality Assurance Project Plan (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
7363
 
Pollutant: Zinc (sediment)
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: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

Five lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

Line of Evidence (LOE) 3910, will not be considered in this decision because the LOE is a placeholder LOE and other data is available to assess the water-segment pollutant combination.

In 2002 this water segment-pollutant combination was listed based five of 27 samples listed in the Bay Protection Toxics Cleanup Program (BPTCP) which included data for 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 removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The sediment quality guideline used complies, with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
4. Zero of 14 surface sediment samples exceed the effects range median for zinc in estuarine sediment and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
5. Seven of 14 surface sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic; however none were associated with elevated zinc levels and this meets the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
6. 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 and the original listing was faulty due to the use of data from deeper cores.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 7363
 
LOE ID: 28535
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 12 samples exceeded the effects range median for zinc in estuarine sediment.
Data Reference: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Sediment Metals data for the Los Angeles River Estuary. 1999-2003.
 
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 effects range median of 410 ug/g dry weight for zinc.
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: Several state sponsored studies were collecting sediment samples in the Los Angeles River Estuary, including BPTCP 1992-94, BPTCP 1996-97; Bight 1998; Bight 2003.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken and analyzed during spring/summer/fall.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Bay Protection Toxics Clean Program, Bight 1998, and Bight 2003 Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program QAPP. (BPTCP). Sacramento, CA: State Water Resources Control Board
  Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual
  Southern California Bight 1998 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 98) Quality Assurance Manual
 
LOE ID: 28534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of five sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic however none of these were associated with elevated lead or zinc concentrations.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states that, "[a]ll 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 five stations were monitored in the Los Angeles River Estuary: 4142, 4440, 4600, 4788, 4856.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were collected in the estuary in fall 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual
 
LOE ID: 3910
 
Pollutant: Zinc (sediment)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28536
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of two samples exceeded the effects range median for zinc in estuarine sediment. Sediment samples were taken and analyzed for lead in accordance with the monitoring and testing parameters listed Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Sediment Contaminant Flux study.
Data Reference: Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach sediment and overlaying and pore water 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 effects range median of 410 ug/g dry weight for zinc.
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 Los Angeles River Estuary at two sediment monitoring stations.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were collected in the estuary in fall 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: 534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Overall, five of nine samples were toxic. This total was created from two different sediment studies within Los Angeles River Estuary. Three of 7 samples were toxic (BPTCP). Two of two samples were toxic (Bight, 1998). No samples were collected in 1999 (W-EMAP) (LARWQCB & CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan: All waters should be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological response in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Samples were considered toxic if; (1) there was a significant difference in mean organism response between the sample and the control, and (2) the mean organism response in the test, as a percent of the control, was less than the threshold based on the 90th percentile minimum significant difference value.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Nine sites were sampled throughout Los Angeles River Estuary.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 1992 thru 1994 and 1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Contaminated Sediment Task Force (2005) and references therein (BPTCP QAPP, Bight 1998 QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
6683
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not 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
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2019
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: Toxicity is being considered for listing for under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for toxicity.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.6, the site does have significant toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of 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 sediment quality guideline used complies, with the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
3. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
4. Seven of the 14 samples were toxic or deemed either moderately or highly toxic and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
5. 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 not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 6683
 
LOE ID: 28534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Fish Migration | Fish Spawning | Marine Habitat | Preservation of Rare & Endangered Species | Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of five sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic however none of these were associated with elevated lead or zinc concentrations.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states that, "[a]ll 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 five stations were monitored in the Los Angeles River Estuary: 4142, 4440, 4600, 4788, 4856.
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were collected in the estuary in fall 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Quality Assurance Manual.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual
 
LOE ID: 534
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Overall, five of nine samples were toxic. This total was created from two different sediment studies within Los Angeles River Estuary. Three of 7 samples were toxic (BPTCP). Two of two samples were toxic (Bight, 1998). No samples were collected in 1999 (W-EMAP) (LARWQCB & CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan: All waters should be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological response in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Samples were considered toxic if; (1) there was a significant difference in mean organism response between the sample and the control, and (2) the mean organism response in the test, as a percent of the control, was less than the threshold based on the 90th percentile minimum significant difference value.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Nine sites were sampled throughout Los Angeles River Estuary.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 1992 thru 1994 and 1998.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Contaminated Sediment Task Force (2005) and references therein (BPTCP QAPP, Bight 1998 QAPP).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
6815
 
Pollutant: Trash
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Surface Runoff | Urban Runoff/Storm Sewers
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Trash (12)
TMDL Project Code: 365
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 07/24/2008
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal on the section 303(d) list under sections 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under 2.2 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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. There is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the 303(d) list because a TMDL has been completed and adopted by the Los Angeles RWQCB and approved by USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed category of the section 303(d) list because a TMDL has been approved by USEPA, and applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 6815
 
LOE ID: 532
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The Los Angeles River Trash TMDL was completed by the Regional Board on September 19, 2001 (USEPA, 2002) to address impairments caused by trash. However, on July 19, 2006 the State Board rescinded approval of this TMDL and remanded it back to the Regional Board based on court ruling City of Arcadia v. State Water Resources Control Board (D043877).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 531
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Visual
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Photographic documentation shows accumulations of trash along a beach, near a boat mooring location, and in channels near Long Beach (LARWQCB, 2001).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Narrative objective evaluated using numeric target of zero trash in estuary established in Los Angeles River Trash TMDL and other regional trash TMDLs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Photographs from various points in Los Angeles River estuary including
Belmont Shores, City of Long Beach and Queensway Bay.
Temporal Representation: February 16, 17, 2000 and January 12, 22, 24, 2001.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Photographs taken by various entities including: Rick Meyer (Los Angeles
Times, January 22, 2001) and Lisa Billings (Long Beach Press Telegram
February 17, 2000).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 533
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixteen quarterly samples measured the tonnage of trash collected from the estuary. Debris collection ranged from 3,091 to 4,162 tons per year (Long Beach, 2000).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Evaluation of applicable narrative water quality objective.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sampling site in the estuary.
Temporal Representation: Quarterly samples taken over four years (1995-1999).
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: City of Long Beach, Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine - Storm Debris Removal Operations
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 28078
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: A TMDL has been approved for this water segment-pollutant combination. The Trash TMDL for the Los Angeles River Watershed was adopted by the Los Angeles RWQCB on August 09, 2007 and subsequently approved by USEPA. The TMDL was been integrated into the Basin Plan as Attachment A of Regional Board Resolution No. 2007-012.
Data Reference: Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA information unavailable.
QAPP Information Reference(s):