ITEM: 12

SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF A PROPOSED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO NEGOTIATE, EXECUTE, AND AMEND, AS NECESSARY, AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME TO CONDUCT A MARINE FISH AND SHELLFISH CONTAMINATION STUDY IN FISCAL YEAR (FY) 1998-99

DISCUSSION: It is essential to know the condition of California's coastal resources to ensure that the Governor's Coastal Initiative succeeds in protecting and restoring these resources. Of special concern is the need for information on whether it is safe to eat fish and shellfish from the coastline, and the potential sources and causes of contamination of seafood in areas where fishing and shellfishing are important. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is the State agency with the responsibility to investigate water pollution and its effects, including the impact on the fitness of fish and shellfish for human consumption. The purpose of this study is to assess contamination levels of marine fish and shellfish.

The SWRCB currently collects fish and shellfish from inland waters to assess chemical contamination through the SWRCB's Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP). The marine fish and shellfish contamination study would extend that effort to coastal waters.

The SWRCB's State Mussel Watch Program (SMWP) serves a different purpose. It measures levels of toxic chemicals in mussels and clams as a way of locating contaminated areas and tracking the source of contaminants. Its design is not suitable to determine whether shellfish meet human consumption standards. The SMWP is not supported by funding in this agreement.

The following steps will be implemented in this marine fish and shellfish study:

1. Identify the most important public fishing areas and the species of fish and shellfish most often caught at each area.

2. Design sampling plans and schedules for each fishing area.

3. Conduct field sampling and laboratory analyses.

4. Review and evaluate findings for public health significance.

5. Publish reports of findings and evaluations.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG), through an interagency agreement, will collect and analyze selected fish and shellfish from bays and estuaries. DFG has many years of experience in collecting and analyzing fish and shellfish for contaminants through the SWRCB's TSMP and SMWP. Sampling locations and methods will be determined jointly by SWRCB and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) staffs, DFG, and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. A marine fish/shellfish Technical Advisory Committee will also be formed.

Staff is requesting authorization to expend up to $324,000 for the proposed marine fish and shellfish contamination study in FY 1998-99.

POLICY ISSUE: Should the SWRCB adopt a proposed resolution authorizing the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, execute, and amend, as necessary, a one-year interagency agreement with DFG to conduct the marine fish and shellfish contamination study in FY 1998-99?

FISCAL IMPACT: Subject to appropriation in SWRCB's 1998-99 Budget, the marine fish and shellfish contamination study will not exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund.

RWQCB IMPACT: Yes. RWQCB's 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 9.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: That, subject to appropriation in the 1998-99 Budget Act, the SWRCB adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, execute, and amend, as necessary, an interagency agreement with the DFG to conduct the marine fish and shellfish contamination study in FY 1998-99 for an amount not to exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund.

June 29, 1998 Draft

WHEREAS:

1. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has the responsibility to investigate water pollution and its effects, including the impact on the fitness of fish and shellfish for human consumption.

2. The purpose of the marine fish and shellfish contamination study is to assess contamination levels of fish and shellfish and evaluate their suitability for human consumption.

3. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has qualified personnel, facilities, and experience to conduct the field collection and analysis for the marine fish and shellfish.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

Subject to appropriation in the 1998-99 Budget Act, the SWRCB authorizes the Executive Director, or his designee, to negotiate, execute, and amend, as necessary, an interagency agreement with the DFG to conduct a marine fish and shellfish contamination study in FY 1998-99 for an amount not to exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund.

The undersigned, Administrative Assistant to the Board, does hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of a resolution duly and regularly adopted at a meeting of the State Water Resources Control Board held on July 23, 1998.

_________________________________

Maureen Marché

Administrative Assistant to the Board