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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: San Jose Creek Reach 1 (SG Confluence to Temple St.)
Water Body ID: CAR4053100019980918090950
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
6063
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: State determines water quality standard is being met
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 12 of 171 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration for selenium 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.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 6063
 
LOE ID: 26871
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife 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 seven samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration for Selenium. Water quality samples were taken and analyzed for Selenium in accordance with the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit monitoring and testing parameters.
Data Reference: Monitoring Data (MS4 Data) for Tributaries of the San Gabriel River Watershed- CI 6948 for order no. 01-182 NPDES No. CAS004001 Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff Discharges within the County of Los Angeles, and the Incorporated Cities therein, Except the City of Long Beach
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Dissolved Selenium Criterion for continuous concentration (CCC) in water for the protection of aquatic life: 5 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works conducted sampling at the mass emission monitoring station TS15 upstream of the confluence of Puente Creek.
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken approximately six per year (four wet-weather events and two dry-weather events), from October 2003 through April 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in County of Los Angeles MS4 Permit (NPDES No. CAS004001) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monitoring and Reporting Program - CI 6948 for order no. 01-182 NPDES No. CAS004001 Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff Discharges within the County of Los Angeles, and the incorporated cities, except the City of Long Beach
 
LOE ID: 25338
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 86
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 86 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule Criterion Continuous Concentration for Selenium. Water quality samples were taken and analyzed for Selenium in accordance with the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County permit monitoring and testing parameters.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Dissolved Selenium Criterion for continuous concentration (CCC) in water for the protection of aquatic life: 5 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations: RA (above WRP), RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002)
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken and analyzed on a monthly basis from August 2005 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
LOE ID: 2571
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 11
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Available data indicate numeric CTR standards are violated for total selenium. There were 11 out of 78 samples that exceeded the CTR value for selenium (USEPA, 2007).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: The CTR value for selenium (chronic) is 5 ppb.
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data record: 2003-2006, LA RWQCB comment letter, 2006
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
7050
 
Pollutant: Coliform Bacteria
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2006)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2009
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.3 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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

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. 140 of 261 samples exceeded the Basin Plan single sample indicator bacteria objectives and this exceeds 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 met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 7050
 
LOE ID: 26873
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Five of six samples exceeded the single-sample limit specified in the Basin Plan. A total of one out of one sample exceeded the geometric mean limit specified in the Basin Plan amendment. Samples were taken on a weekly and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: Monitoring Data (MS4 Data) for Tributaries of the San Gabriel River Watershed- CI 6948 for order no. 01-182 NPDES No. CAS004001 Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff Discharges within the County of Los Angeles, and the Incorporated Cities therein, Except the City of Long Beach
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan bacteria objectives state that to protect water contact recreation in fresh waters individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400/100 ml; and E. coli density shall not exceed 235/100 ml. The bacteria objectives also establish that the geometric means of individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: the fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200/100 ml; and the E. coli density shall not exceed 126/100 ml, as a geometric mean. The bacteria objectives are found in Attachment A of Regional Board Resolution No. 2001-018.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works conducted sampling at the mass emission monitoring station TS15 upstream of the confluence of Puente Creek.
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken approximately six per year (four wet-weather events and two dry-weather events), from October 2003 through April 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in County of Los Angeles MS4 Permit (NPDES No. CAS004001) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Monitoring and Reporting Program - CI 6948 for order no. 01-182 NPDES No. CAS004001 Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff Discharges within the County of Los Angeles, and the incorporated cities, except the City of Long Beach
 
LOE ID: 4147
 
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)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 25341
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 255
Number of Exceedances: 135
 
Data and Information Type: Other Agencies/Organizations provided monitoring data
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 135 of 255 samples exceeded the single-sample limit specified in the Basin Plan. A total of 25 of 36 samples exceeded the geometric mean limit specified in the Basin Plan amendment. Samples were taken on a weekly and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Basin Plan bacteria objectives state that to protect water contact recreation in fresh waters individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: fecal coliform density shall not exceed 400/100 ml; and E. coli density shall not exceed 235/100 ml. The bacteria objectives also establish that the geometric means of individual samples shall not exceed the following limits: the fecal coliform density shall not exceed 200/100 ml; and the E. coli density shall not exceed 126/100 ml, as a geometric mean. The bacteria objectives are found in Attachment A of Regional Board Resolution No. 2001-018.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RA (above WRP), RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: The grab samples were taken and analyzed on a weekly and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
DECISION ID
17215
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for the section 303(d) list under section 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, waters are listed when a bioassessment shows diminished numbers of species or other metrics (compared to a reference site) and it is associated with another pollutant.

Seven lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. Benthic macroinvertebrates as measured by Southern California IBI (index of biological integrity) in San Jose Reach 1 were very poor in October of 2003 and very poor in October of 2004 indicating impairment of benthic community structure. This impairment is associated with impairment for ammonia, sulfates, total dissolved solids, toxicity, and pH.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. There is at least one bioassessment sample (Index of Biological Integrity score) to satisfy Section 3.9
4. The impairment is associated with another pollutant in the waterbody to satisfy Section 3.9.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be added to the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being attained.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 17215
 
LOE ID: 2568
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Based on 30-day average concentrations of ammonia, 2 samples out of 17 total samples exceed the ammonia objective. Ambient measurements of pH and temperature (30-day averages) were used to calculate the water quality objective (LACSD, 2004b).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: In order to protect aquatic life, ammonia concentrations in inland surface waters characteristic of freshwater shall not exceed the values calculated for the appropriate instream conditions [both pH and temperature] shown in Tables 3-1 to 3-3 [in the Basin Plan] (per U.S. EPA's most recent criteria guidance document, '1999 Update of Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia').
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Five stations.
Temporal Representation: Data were collected between July 2003 and November 2004.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NPDES quality assurance.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 2567
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: An alternative enforceable program is in place that will address ammonia water quality standards exceedances for this Reach (SWRCB, 2003).

In June 1995, the seven water reclamation plants discharging in the San Gabriel River and Santa Clara River watersheds received NPDES permits containing requirements regarding compliance with the Basin Plan water quality objectives for ammonia. In accordance with these permits, the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts have been pursuing the addition of nitrification and denitrification facilities at each of these plants to comply with the ammonia objectives. By June 2003, it is expected that these new facilities will be operational and ammonia will be drastically reduced. Research facility operation shows that the monthly average ammonia concentration will fully comply with the chronic ammonia objective that is expected to be applicable in June 2003.

It is probable that the majority of ammonia discharged to this water body was contributed by POTWs. Information in the record indicates that the majority (over 95%) of the ammonia in the Los Angeles River was contributed by POTWs. It is probable that the contribution in the San Gabriel River watershed is dominated by contributions from POTWs as well. Generally, concentrations of ammonia upstream of the treatment plants are much lower than downstream concentrations (up to an order of magnitude difference).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
LOE ID: 27251
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Municipal & Domestic Supply
 
Number of Samples: 150
Number of Exceedances: 40
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 40 of 150 samples exceeded the California Code of Regulations secondary MCL for sulfate in San Jose Creek Reach 1. Water quality samples were taken and analyzed for sulfate in accordance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (No. CA0053911 and CA0053619)Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The California Code of Regulations' Table 64449-B lists a recommended maximum contamination level (secondary MCL) of 250 mg/L for Sulfate to protect drinking water sources.
Objective/Criterion Reference: California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 4, Chapter 15. Domestic Water Quality and Monitoring. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/certlic/drinkingwater/Pages/Lawbook.aspx
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: The grab samples were taken and analyzed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
LOE ID: 30226
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Cold Freshwater Habitat | Wetland Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The IBI scores at this site ranked in the “very poor” range (8 in 2003 and 13 in 2004).
Data Reference: Los Angeles County 1994-2005 Integrated Receiving Water Impacts Report. Section 4, San Gabriel River Watershed Management Area, pp4.1 - 4.36.
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan Objectives for Toxicity which states “All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are toxic to, or that produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant or animal, or aquatic life. Compliance with this objective will be determined by use of indicator organisms, analyses of species diversity, population density, growth anomalies, bioassays of appropriate duration or other appropraite methods as specified by the State or Regional Board.”
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline: The IBI is a multi-metric assessment that employs biological metrics that respond to a habitat or water quality impairment. Each of the biological metrics measured at a site are converted to an IBI score then summed. These cumulative scores are then ranked according to very good (80-56), good (41-55), fair (27-40), poor (14-26) and very poor (0-13) habitat conditions. Sites with scores below 26 are considered to have impaired conditions.
Guideline Reference: A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 493-504.
  Los Angeles County 1994-2005 Integrated Receiving Water Impacts Report. Section 3, Methods, pp3.1 - 3.28
  Los Angeles County 1994-2005 Integrated Receiving Water Impacts Report. Section 4, San Gabriel River Watershed Management Area, pp4.1 - 4.36.
 
Spatial Representation: One site in San Jose Creek was sampled, downstream of Workman Mill Road, at N 34º 02.260’ W 118º 01.494’.
Temporal Representation: Sites were sampled in October of 2003 and October of 2004.
Environmental Conditions: Benthic macroinvertebrate populations and IBI scores may also be affected by a wide range of anthropogenic stressors.
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with California Stream Bioassessment Procedure.
QAPP Information Reference(s): California Stream Bioassessment Procedure (Protocol Brief for Biological and Physical/Habitat Assessment in Wadeable Streams) California Department of Fish and Game Water Pollution Control Laboratory Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory Revision Date - December, 2003
  Los Angeles County 1994-2005 Integrated Receiving Water Impacts Report. Section 3, Methods, pp3.1 - 3.28
 
LOE ID: 21153
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 149
Number of Exceedances: 35
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 35 of 149 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for pH. Samples were taken on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (No. CA0053911 and CA0053619)Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan objective for TDS is 750 mg/L (water body specific: San Gabriel River watershed between Ramona Blvd. and Firestone Blvd.).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: The grab samples were taken and analyzed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
LOE ID: 21152
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 292
Number of Exceedances: 101
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 101 of 292 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for pH. Samples were taken on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan states that: The pH of inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken and analyzed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
LOE ID: 2570
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 60
Number of Exceedances: 12
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Available data show ambient toxicity (12 out of 60) in both wet and dry weather samples (USEPA, 2007).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan: Surface waters shall not contain concentrations of chemical constituents in amounts that adversely affect any designated beneficial use.
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: Samples were collected throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data record: 2003-2006, SCCWRP, 2006
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
DECISION ID
9944
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 35 of 149 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective of 750 mg/L for TDS (water body specific: San Gabriel River watershed between Ramona Blvd. and Firestone Blvd.), and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9944
 
LOE ID: 21153
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 149
Number of Exceedances: 35
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 35 of 149 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for pH. Samples were taken on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (No. CA0053911 and CA0053619)Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan objective for TDS is 750 mg/L (water body specific: San Gabriel River watershed between Ramona Blvd. and Firestone Blvd.).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: The grab samples were taken and analyzed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
 
DECISION ID
9945
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2021
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Weight of Evidence: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.

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

This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 101 of 292 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for pH and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
RWQCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
SWRCB Board Decision / Staff Recommendation:
 
USEPA Decision:
 
 
Lines of Evidence (LOEs) for Decision ID 9945
 
LOE ID: 21152
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
Aquatic Life Use: Wildlife Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 292
Number of Exceedances: 101
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 101 of 292 samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for pH. Samples were taken on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis in compliance with the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts NPDES Permit (No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
Data Reference: NPDES receiving water monitoring reports for Long Beach Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054119), Los Coyotes Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053716), Pomona Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053911), San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0053619), and Whittier Narrows Creek Water Reclamation Plant (NPDES No. CA0054011).
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles RWQCB Basin Plan states that: The pH of inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Basin Plan Amendments to the Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan as of 02/02/2009
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The data was collected from four stations: RC (Below WRP), RD (end of concrete-lined portion of San Jose Creek), C1 (above SJWRP 002), C2 (below SJWRP 002).
Temporal Representation: Grab samples were taken and analyzed on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis from June 2004 to February 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was collected in compliance with the sampling and monitoring procedures detailed in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (NPDES No. CA0053911 and CA0053619) Monitoring and Reporting Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): San Jose Creek Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053911 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)
  Pomona Water Reclamation Plant Monitoring and Reporting Program for NPDES No. CA0053619 (County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County)