Draft California 2020 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
Water Body ID: CAE4051200020050203154519
Water Body Type: Estuary
 
DECISION ID
69437
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of 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 the original listing basis is faulty. The guidelines used to evaluate the data used to list this water body for this pollutant originally are not considered to be reliable by the Regional Board.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69437, Aldrin
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 535
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: According to the comments submitted by the Los Angeles Regional Board, the guidelines used to evaluate the tissue data used to list this water body for this pollutant originally were not considered to be reliable. At the Board Meeting on 25 October 2006, the Board determined that this listing should be removed as a result of this.
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
70105
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Two lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Zero of the 28 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from 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. 0of 28 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70105, Ammonia
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83995
 
Pollutant: Ammonia (Unionized)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of the 28 samples collected exceeded the objective for ammonia. The data was converted to un-ionized ammonia and salinity was assumed to be 10 parts per thousand.
Data Reference: Letter with enclosures from the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation, Watershed Protection Division and Regulatory Affairs Division regarding several listed water bodies in the Los Angeles River watershed and Dominguez Channel watershed
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan objective for ammonia is .035 mg/l un-ionized ammonia (4-day average).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: These samples were collected at 4 locations: Henry Ford Ave., Sepulveda Blvd. @ Alameda St., 223rd St. @ Wilmington Ave., and 190th St. @ Figueroa St.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected weekly from 7/1/2009 through 8/13/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected by the Environmental Monitoring Division of the City of Los Angeles using a quality assurance program for all laboratory analysis. These laboratories are individually certified by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) of the California Department of Health Services.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70105, Ammonia
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4100
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
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)
 
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
69980
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: ChemA
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of 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 the original listing basis is faulty. The guidelines used to evaluate the data used to list this water body for this pollutant originally are not considered to be reliable by the Regional Board.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69980, ChemA
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 536
 
Pollutant: ChemA
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: According to the comments submitted by the Los Angeles Regional Board, the guidelines used to evaluate the tissue data used to list this water body for this pollutant originally were not considered to be reliable. At the Board Meeting on 25 October 2006, the Board determined that this listing should be removed as a result of this.
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
69347
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Other
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 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.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 4.6, there is no significant toxicity associated with this pollutant and the number of pollutant exceedances does not exceed the frequency allowed by the Listing Policy.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of 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. Four of 93 and 0 of 17 samples exceeded the Effects Range Medium sediment guideline, and data shows there is not sediment toxicity associated with the pollutant exceedances. This does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 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.
 
Regional Board Decision 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69347, Chromium (total)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83980
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for chromium is 370 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69347, Chromium (total)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69347, Chromium (total)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83981
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
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, animal, or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The national recommended water quality criteria to protect aquatic life from cadmium exposure in saline water is 1.03 mg/L (acute exposure divided by 10 to allow for screening chronic exposures).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 through 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69347, Chromium (total)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 538
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 93 samples exceed the ERM (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: An Effects Range-Median of 370 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Ninety-three samples spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
72670
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Change from general pollutant to specific pollutant listing (e.g. metals to copper)
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.9 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. In four new individual fact sheets, independently recommended for placement on the 303(d) list under section 3.9 of the Listing Policy, a sufficient number of samples exceeded the sediment quality guideline for the following PAHs: Pyrene, Phenanthrene, Chrysene, and Benzo (a) pyrene. Although sediment toxicity has been observed, significant benthic degradation has been recorded and this may be linked with these specific PAH pollutant concentrations in this water body segment.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of removing the PAH sediment-pollutant combination and replacing this general PAH listing with the individually listings of Pyrene, Phenanthrene, Chrysene, and Benzo (a) pyrene on the section 303(d) list in the Water Quality Limited Segments category.

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. In the new available data a sufficient number of samples exceeded the specific PAH sediment quality guideline for each PAH. The benthic community impacts may be better linked with the effects of these individual pollutants in the sediment of this water body segment.
2. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met due to other PAHs.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72670, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 557
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
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: This water body pollutant combination is listed on the 2002 section 303(d) list for PAH in sediment. New data sets are now available recommending the listing of the following specific PAHs, Pyrene, Phenanthrene, Chrysene, and Benzo(a)pyrene. The present 303(d) listing for PAH in sediment should therefore be replaced with the specific listings of these PAHs.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
99037
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Zinc (sediment)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

3 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 17 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
0 of 6 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
0 of 0 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from 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. 0 of 17 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.


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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
2. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99037, Zinc (sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 84003
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the objective.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Surface 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Toxics Rule (CTR)lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water. The CTR for zinc is 81 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 through 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99037, Zinc (sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4105
 
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)
 
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 99037, Zinc (sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 84002
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for zinc is 410 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69189
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agriculture-storm runoff
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
8 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
1 of the 16 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 8 of 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT] to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.

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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
2. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69189, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69189, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 546
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 8 exceeded the sediment quality guideline.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 692.53 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69189, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83975
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline. One of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)anthracene is 1,600 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69189, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69189, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
 
DECISION ID
68354
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
7 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 15 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 7 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.

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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
2. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68354, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68354, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68354, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68354, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 551
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 7 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 763.22 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68354, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83976
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Benzo(a)Pyrene is 1600 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
98920
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Chlordane (tissue)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of the 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of the 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from 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. 0 of 0 and 0 of 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 28 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 4.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98920, Chlordane (tissue)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83979
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All thirteen samples were not detected at the reporting limit of 50 ug/kg which is well above the guideline used to determine if the estuarine habitat is impaired. These samples could not be used for assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for chlordane (as total) is 6 ug/kg dry weight (Fairey, R., E.R. Long, C.A. Roberts, B.S. Anderson, B.M. Phillips, J.W. Hunt, H.R. Puckett and C.J. Wilson. 2001.).
Guideline Reference: An evaluation of methods for calculating mean sediment quality guideline quotients as indicators of contamination and acute toxicity to amphipods by chemical mixtures. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 20(10): 2276-2286
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from six stations along Dominguez Channel: R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 & 2006.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98920, Chlordane (tissue)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4102
 
Pollutant: Chlordane (tissue)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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
69124
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
8 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
1 of the 16 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 8 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.

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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69124, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69124, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69124, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69124, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 552
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 8 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 845.98 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69124, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83982
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the sixteen samples exceeded the guideline. One of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Chrysene is 2,800 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
99361
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: DDT (tissue & sediment)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

6 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
3 of 13 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
0 of 0 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
0 of 0 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
1 of 1 sample exceeded the GUIDELINE.
1 of 12 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 sample exhibited sediment toxicity.

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 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. 3 of 13 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.



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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83985
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three of the 13 samples exceeded the guideline. The data results were for the isomers: 2,4'-DDE and 4,4'-DDE.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for p,p'-DDE is 27 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from six stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 541
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Health Advisories
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 fish consumption advisory has been established for the DDT in the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor area. The advisory was established by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83986
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of 12 samples exceeded the guideline. The data results were for the sum of DDTs (DDT+DDE+DDD).
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Total DDTs is 46.1 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from six stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.)
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 542
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One fish tissue sample (white croaker) had DDT total level 6,487 ug/kg, which far exceeds the OEHHA screening value (TSMP, 2002).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA Screening Value: 100 ug/kg (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999). The original listing was based on an EDL and MTRL. The Listing Policy does not allow the use of EDLs or MTRLs in listing or delisting decisions.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Station number 405.12.02
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1992.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99361, DDT (tissue & sediment)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 543
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Forty-three samples are available (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: There is no sediment guideline for this pollutant that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-three samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70528
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Lead
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

6 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
29 of the 93 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 17 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 29 of the 93 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.



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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 547
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One tissue sample is available. Mussel watch monitoring data is not available in the water segment (TSMP, 2002).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: There is no tissue guideline available for this pollutant that meets the requirements of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy. The original listing was based on an EDL and MTRL. The Listing Policy does not allow the use of EDLs or MTRLs in listing or delisting decisions.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1992.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Toxic Substances Monitoring Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83990
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for lead is 218 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83991
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The reporting limits for all of the non-detect samples were greater than the criteria, therefore the data was not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Surface 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Toxics Rule (CTR)lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water. The CTR for lead is 8.1 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 through 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70528, Lead
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 548
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 29
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 93 core and grab sediment samples, 29 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A Probable Effect Level of 112.18 ug/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: The ninety-three samples were spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program
Other quality assurance described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68139
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Agriculture | Agriculture-animal | Agriculture-grazing
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

5 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
15 of the 42 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 13 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
1 of the 1 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 15 of the 42 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.


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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 555
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 42
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 42 sediment core samples, 15 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 400 ng/g was used (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-two samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 556
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fish tissue analysis
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One fish tissue sample (white croaker collected in 1992) had total PCBs level (1780 ppb wet wt.) that far exceeds the OEHHA screening value (20 ppb).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: OEHHA screening value (20 ppb) (Brodberg & Pollock, 1999).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: TSM Station number 405.12.02
Temporal Representation: Collected in 1992.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: TSM dataset.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68139, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83997
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: All 13 samples were not detected at the reporting limit of 10 ug/kg.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for total PCBs is 22.7 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from six stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.) and R8.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69111
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
9 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 15 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 9 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.


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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69111, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69111, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69111, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83998
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the probable effects level (predictive of sediment toxicity) for phenanthrene is 1500 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69111, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69111, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 553
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 9 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 543.53 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68839
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
13 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
1 of the 16 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 13 of the 41 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.


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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68839, Pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83999
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the 16 samples exceeded the guideline. One of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Pyrene is 2600 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68839, Pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 554
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 13 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 1,397.4 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68839, Pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 550
 
Pollutant: Estuarine Bioassessments
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: One benthic community sample with a benthic index of 0.21 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: 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 (Anderson et al., 1998).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions: Adjacent waters (Consolidated Slip) also has degraded benthic communities.
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program (Stephenson et al., 1994).
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68839, Pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 68839, Pyrene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
76061
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant.
4 of 7 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
0 of 9 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.

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 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. 4 of 7 and 0 of 9 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.


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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76061, Toxicity
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76061, Toxicity
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 76061, Toxicity
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 84000
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. None of the nine samples exhibited significant toxicity. The chronic toxicity tests included Topsmelt survival and growth, Kelp Spore Germination, Kelp Germ Tube Growth, and Abalone Development. The sample results were reported in toxic units.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
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, animal, or aquatic life. Region 4 Basin Plan.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.
Guideline Reference: Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to West Coast Marine and Estuarine Organisms. EPA/600/R-95-136.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at RW1, RW2, RW3.
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The data was analyzed by Del Mar Analytical Aquatic Testing Laboratory.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
92613
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
1 of 7 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 1 of 7 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92613, 2-Methylnaphthalene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83967
 
Pollutant: 2-Methylnaphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the eight samples exceeded the guideline. One of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for 2-methyl-naphthalene is 670 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94711
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 CWA 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. 0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94711, Acenaphthene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83972
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples exceeded the guideline. Three of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for acenaphthene is 500 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
92993
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthylene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
1 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 CWA 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. 1 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92993, Acenaphthylene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83973
 
Pollutant: Acenaphthylene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for acenaphthylene is 640 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
92614
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92614, Anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83974
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for anthracene is 1,100 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94822
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 6 samples exe exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 CWA 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. 0 of 17 and 0 of 6 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94822, Cadmium
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83978
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the objective. The reporting limit for one of the non-detect samples was greater than the criteria, therefore the data was not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Surface 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Toxics Rule (CTR)lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water. The CTR for cadmium is 9.3 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 through 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94822, Cadmium
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83977
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for cadmium is 9.6 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
92113
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92113, Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83987
 
Pollutant: Dibenz[a,h]anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for Dibenz(a,h)anthracene is 260 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995)
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94824
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
1 of 16 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.

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 CWA 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. 1 of 16 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94824, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83988
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline. One of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for fluoranthene is 5,100 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94764
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 15 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is INSUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 0 of 15 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE and this sample size is INSUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is not an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94764, Fluorene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83989
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for fluorene is 540 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69394
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Mercury
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under sections 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status of a pollutant in sediment.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Based on section 3.6 it is unknown if the site has significant sediment toxicity and the pollutant is the likely cause or contributor to the toxic effects.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient 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 4.1.3 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.None of 44 samples exceeded the sediment guideline, but it unknown if there are any samples exhibiting toxicity and this does not comply with the requirements of the Listing Policy.
5.Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69394, Mercury
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 545
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 44
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 44 sediment core samples, none exceeded the sediment quality guideline. The data are described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database and detailed in the report "Supplemental Report -- Consolidated Slip Restoration Project Concept Plan, October 2003." (CSTF, 2002).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 2.1 ug/g was used (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-four samples spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance described in Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69394, Mercury
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
92558
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 0 of 15 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 92558, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83992
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 non-detect samples samples exceeded the guideline. Two of the non-detects had elevated reporting limits that were greater than the criteria, therefore we not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for naphthalene is 2100 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94823
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Nickel
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 6 samples exe exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 CWA 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. 0 of 17 and 0 of 6 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94823, Nickel
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83993
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for nickel is 51.6 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94823, Nickel
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83994
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the six samples exceeded the objective. The reporting limit for one of the non-detect samples was greater than the criteria, therefore the data was not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Surface 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Toxics Rule (CTR)lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water. The CTR for nickel is 8.2 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005 through 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94765
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 7 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 0 of 7 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
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 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94765, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83996
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero out of seven samples exceeded the water quality objective for total ammonia as nitrogen.
Data Reference: Letter with enclosures from the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation, Watershed Protection Division and Regulatory Affairs Division regarding several listed water bodies in the Los Angeles River watershed and Dominguez Channel watershed
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan objective for ammonia is a function of pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages. The objectives are applied as if early life stages are not present.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected at Vermont Avenue.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected weekly from 7/1/2009 through 8/13/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All samples were collected by the Environmental Monitoring Division of the City of Los Angeles using a quality assurance program for all laboratory analysis. These laboratories are individually certified by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) of the California Department of Health Services.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
94762
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Tributyltin TBT (Tributylstanne)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA 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.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 CWA 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. 0 of 17 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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.
 
Regional Board 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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94762, Tributyltin TBT (Tributylstanne)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 84001
 
Pollutant: Tributyltin TBT (Tributylstanne)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the sediment guideline of 6,000 ng/g organic carbon of tributyltin is used to protect prey species for juvenile salmonids listed by the Endangered Species Act.
Guideline Reference: Submission of 'white paper' concerning relationship between sediment levels of tributyltin (TBT) and adverse effects to salmonid prey species
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R1 (Anaheim St.), R2 (Pacific Coast HWY), R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
70163
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: 303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 70163, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4103
 
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
72640
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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. The decision has not changed.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information for this recommendation, SWRCB staff conclude that the water body and pollutant combination should be placed in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list because a TMDL has been approved by USEPA and an implementation plan has been approved.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 538
 
Pollutant: Chromium (total)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of 93 samples exceed the ERM (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: An Effects Range-Median of 370 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Ninety-three samples spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 551
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 7 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 763.22 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4101
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
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)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 554
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 13 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 1,397.4 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 553
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 9 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 543.53 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 540
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 93 core and grab samples, 11 samples exceed the ERM.(CSTF, 2002).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: An Effect Range-Median of 270 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Ninety-three samples were collected throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83983
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for copper is 270 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83985
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three of the 13 samples exceeded the guideline. The data results were for the isomers: 2,4'-DDE and 4,4'-DDE.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for p,p'-DDE is 27 ug/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from six stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), and R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 548
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 29
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 93 core and grab sediment samples, 29 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A Probable Effect Level of 112.18 ug/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: The ninety-three samples were spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program
Other quality assurance described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 555
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 42
Number of Exceedances: 15
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 42 sediment core samples, 15 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 400 ng/g was used (Fairey et al., 2001).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-two samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 72640, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 552
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 41
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of 41 sediment core samples, 8 exceeded the sediment quality guideline (LARWQCB and CCC, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: A sediment quality guideline of 845.98 ng/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Forty-one samples are spread throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Quality assurance is described in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
98921
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: Other
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

5 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of the 0 samples exceed the GUIDELINE.
11 of the 93 samples exceed the sediment GUIDELINE.
2 of the 17 samples exceed the sediment GUIDELINE.
1 of the 1 samples exceed the water GUIDELINE.
4 of 7 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is SUFFICIENT justification FOR placing this water segment-pollutant combination 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. 11 of the 93 and 2 of 17 samples exceed the sediment GUIDELINE and this sample size is SUFFICIENT to determine beneficial use support, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 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.

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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation: 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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 549
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One toxicity sample that showed 61 percent survival which is considered toxic (Anderson et al., 1998).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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: One station at H. Ford Bridge (BPTCP station 47010.0).
Temporal Representation: The sample was collected in 1996.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 28531
 
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: 7
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: Toxicity testing of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Four of seven sediment samples were deemed either moderately or highly toxic and associated with elevated lead and zinc concentrations in bulk sediment. One sediment toxicity evaluation was performed and results suggested that organophosphate compounds might also be contributing to bulk toxicity.
Data Reference: Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
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
 
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. Sediment Toxicity.
 
Spatial Representation: A total of seven stations were monitored in the Dominguez Channel Estuary which include the following stations:
4206 (Lat: 33.80811, Long: -118.22845),
4270 (Lat: 33.82, Long: -118.24123),
4436 (Lat: 33.80914, Long: -118.22876),
4852 (Lat: 33.80311, Long: -118.22758),
5012 (Lat: 33.8159333333, Long: -118.23618),
BRI-04 (Lat: 33.7705322266, Long: -118.250032552), and BRI-05 (Lat: 33.7749674479, Long: -118.244938151).
Temporal Representation: Composite surface sediment samples were taken on 08/08/2003 for stations 4206, 4270, and 4436, on 09/17/2003 for stations 4852 and 5012, on 07/14/2003 for stations BRI-04 and BRI-05, and on 08/06/03 for station BRI-04.
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
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83983
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of the 17 samples exceeded the guideline.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In saline water sediments the effects range median (predictive of sediment toxicity) for copper is 270 mg/Kg dry weight ( Long, E.R., D.D. MacDonald, S.L. Smith, and F.D. Calder. 1995).
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: Samples were collected from seven stations along Dominguez Channel: R3 (Sepulveda Blvd.), R4 (S. Alameda St.), R5 (223rd St.), R6 (Avalon Blvd.), R7 (Main St.).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected once during the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, & 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 540
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 93
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Of the 93 core and grab samples, 11 samples exceed the ERM.(CSTF, 2002).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: An Effect Range-Median of 270 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Ninety-three samples were collected throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected between 1994 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.
Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 83984
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of one samples exceeded the objective. The reporting limit for three of the non-detect samples were greater than the criteria, therefore these data were not used in this assessment.

The three detectable samples were all collected during a single event and the sampling stations are within 200 meters of each-other and therefore were averaged consistent with Section 6.1.5.2 and 6.1.4.3 of the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Data for metals and toxicity in Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave), Feb. 2005-Sep. 2009
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Surface 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
 
Evaluation Guideline: The California Toxics Rule (CTR)lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in saline water. The CTR for copper is 3.1 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Dominguez Channel (site R9) from RW-1 50 ft downstream of the outfall, RW-2 250 ft downstream of the outfall and RW-3 250 ft upstream of the outfall. These sites are within 200meters of one another and must be averaged for spatial dependence.
Temporal Representation: The detectable samples for copper were collected on 1/25/2005.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: A Quality Assurance Project Plan was provided for the sediment samples by AECOM Environment (September 2009). The Laboratory Quality Systems Manual was also provided. These data are collected pursuant to NPDES Permit CA0000680, Order No. R4-2007-0015.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98921, Copper
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 539
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Estuarine Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: No data are available for the Estuary. The nearest sample location is upstream in the non-tidal portion of Dominguez Channel.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxic Rule: Criterion Continuous Concentration is 3.1 ug/L, Criterion Maximum Concentration is 4.8 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
69913
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin (tissue)
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)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Dominguez, LA/LB Harbors, San Pedro Bay Metals (75 & 78), toxics(73a) and PAHs (74)
TMDL Project Code: 416
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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 Dominguez Channel and Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors Toxics and Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
2. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 69913, Dieldrin (tissue)
Region 4     
Dominguez Channel Estuary (unlined portion below Vermont Ave)
 
LOE ID: 4104
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin (tissue)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Tissue
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
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):