ITEM:  11

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 CONTINUE OPERATION OF THE COASTAL FISH CONTAMINATION STUDY IN FISCAL YEAR (FY) 1999-00

DISCUSSION:  The State Water Resources Control Board's (SWRCB) Coastal Fish Contamination Study (CFCS), initiated in 1998, is designed to investigate whether it is safe to eat fish and shellfish from the California coastline. The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has satisfactorily operated the field collection and laboratory aspects of the CFCS for the SWRCB in accordance with an interagency agreement. The current agreement with DFG for the CFCS expires on June 30, 1999.
In the first year of operation, the CFCS identified the most important public fishing areas and the species of marine fish and shellfish most often caught at each area. Pilot study sampling plans and schedules for each fishing area were designed and field sampling and laboratory analyses were initiated. Pilot studies were initiated to identify those fishing areas most impacted by contaminants. Sampling locations and methods were determined by a marine fish/shellfish Technical Advisory Committee whose members include staffs from the SWRCB, Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs), DFG, and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
In the second year of operation, DFG will continue field sampling and laboratory analyses. Pilot study data will be reviewed and evaluated to determine where more comprehensive study is needed. Comprehensive studies will begin in the third year of operation.
Staff is requesting authorization to expend up to $324,000 to continue operation of the CFCS in FY 1999-00.

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 effective July 1, 1999 to continue operation of the CFCS in FY 1999-00 for an amount not to exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund, subject to appropriation in the FY 1999-00 Budget Act.

FISCAL IMPACT: Subject to appropriation in SWRCB's FY 1999-00 Budget Act, the CFCS will not exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund.

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

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  That the SWRCB adopt a resolution authorizing the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, execute, and amend, as necessary, a one-year interagency agreement with the DFG effective July 1, 1999 to continue operation of the CFCS in FY 1999-00 for an amount not to exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund, subject to appropriation in the FY 1999-00 Budget Act.

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 Coastal Fish Contamination Study (CFCS) 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 marine fish and shellfish.

The SWRCB authorizes the Executive Director, or his designee, to negotiate, execute, and amend, as necessary, a one-year interagency agreement with the DFG effective July 1, 1999 to continue operation of the CFCS in FY 1999-00 for an amount not to exceed the current budget allocation of $324,000 from the General Fund, subject to appropriation in the FY 1999-00 Budget Act.