Draft California 2016 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
Water Body ID: CAR4051501019990202112624
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
35084
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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)(2012)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Pathogens (15)
TMDL Project Code: 238
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database.

There is sufficient justification to place this waterbody/pollutant in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The Los Angeles River Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision 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.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35084, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 4383
 
Pollutant: Coliform Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
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)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
66877
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, an additional line of evidence associating the Benthic Community Effects with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants is necessary to assess listing status. The one sample collected had an IBI score below 40. The score was 3.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this water segment on the CWA 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. The one sample collected had an IBI score below 40. The score was 3. However, this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision 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. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 66877, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 87415
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected from Rio Hondo Reach 1. The one sample collected had an IBI score below 40. The score was 3 (2008).
Data Reference: Bioassessment Monitoring Report in Los Angeles County, 2006-2008.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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 or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analysis of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration or other appropriate methods as specified by the State or Regional Board.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores below 40 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: Development of a Benthic Index of Biotic Integrity (B-IBI) for Wadeable Streams in Northern Coastal California and its Application to Regional 305(b) Assessment
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected from Rio Hondo at Los Angeles River, station LALT500.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Qaulity assurance is good. Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) contracted Weston Solutions, Inc. to perform biological assessments. Sampling and analysis followed the protocols described in the California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (CSBP) (Harrington, 2003), and also incorporated the Southern California Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) (Ode et al., 2005).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
33392
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2012)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: 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.

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 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. Two of two samples exhibited significant toxicity to Pimephales promelas and Ceriodaphnia dubia and this exceeds 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 met.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33392, Toxicity
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 28252
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two out of two samples exhibited significant toxicity to Pimephales promelas and Ceriodaphnia dubia. Water quality samples for toxicity were taken in compliance with the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program's monitoring and testing parameters.
Data Reference: Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program data for all watersheds in the Los Angeles Region 2001-2005.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan states at there shall be no acute or chronic toxicity in ambient waters outside mixing zones.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA recommended hypothesis testing (parametric Dunnett's Test or non-parametric Fisher's Exact Test).
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition. EPA 600/4-90/27.
 
Spatial Representation: Water toxicity monitoring was conducted in Rio Hondo Reach 1 at station 412LARRHO (Lat: 33.9377, Long: -118.1707).
Temporal Representation: Grab sample was taken on 06/29/2005 and 07/11/2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in the Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)
 
 
DECISION ID
34540
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Metals (13)
TMDL Project Code: 237
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The Los Angeles River Metals/Toxics TMDL was approved by the RWQCB in 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in 2005.

Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34540, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 2480
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater 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 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
34108
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Lead
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 (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Metals (13)
TMDL Project Code: 237
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The Los Angeles River Metals/Toxics TMDL was approved by the RWQCB in 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in 2005.

Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34108, Lead
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 2481
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater 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 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
35136
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
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 (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status Original
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
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: 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.

Two 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.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35136, Trash
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 4384
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Visual
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
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)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 35136, Trash
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 28087
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Non-Contact Recreation
 
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: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
36167
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Metals (13)
TMDL Project Code: 237
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. A TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The Los Angeles River Metals/Toxics TMDL was approved by the RWQCB in 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in 2005.

Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 36167, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 2482
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater 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 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):
 
 
DECISION ID
32833
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
Pollutant: pH
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 (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Nitrogen (11)
TMDL Project Code: 229
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/18/2004
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Staff Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on the applicable factor, a TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The Los Angeles River Nitrogen TMDL was approved by RWQCB on August 19, 2003 and subsequently approved by USEPA on March 18, 2004.

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 in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.
 
Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation: This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current cycle. The decision has not changed.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32833, pH
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 1 (Confl. LA River to Snt Ana Fwy)
 
LOE ID: 2478
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater 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 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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):