Draft California 2014 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name:	Ballona Creek Estuary
Water Body ID:	CAR4051300019990203132149
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	34273	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Antimony \| Arsenic \| Benzo(a)anthracene \| Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) \| Chromium (total) \| Chrysene (C1-C4) \| Dibenz[a,h]anthracene \| Mercury \| Phenanthrene \| Pyrene \| Sediment Toxicity
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollution

Regional Board Staff 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. 0 of the 5 samples exceed the GUIDELINE. 0 of the 5 samples exceed the GUIDELINE 0 of the 5 samples exceed the GUIDELINE. 8 of 9 samples exhibited sediment toxicity. 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 the 5 samples exceed the GUIDELINE and this sample size is INSUFFICIENT 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.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34273, Multiple Pollutants	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5691

Pollutant:

Mercury

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of five samples for mercury exceeded the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) in marine and estuarine sediment.

Data Reference:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Region 4 Basin Plan Objective for chemical constituents states: "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:

Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) of 2.1 ug/g for Mercury (PTI Environmental Services, 1991).

Guideline Reference:

Pollutants of concern in Puget Sound. EPA 910/9-91-003. Seattle, WA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Spatial Representation:

Five monitoring stations Ballona Creek Estuary:
4053(~6750ft upstream from mouth of creek)
4213(~8400ft upstream from mouth of creek)
5735(~3650ft upstream from mouth of creek)
5767(~2800ft upstream from mouth of creek)
5787(~1100ft upstream from mouth of creek)

Temporal Representation:

Sediment samples taken on 9/16/2003 and 10/6/2003 as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight?03) 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 34273, Multiple Pollutants	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5394

Pollutant:

Antimony | Arsenic | Chromium (total) | Dibenz[a,h]anthracene

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Estuarine Habitat | Marine Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The data used was from the Southern CA Bight 2003 Regional Monitoring Program (Volume II, Sediment Chemistry).
None (0) out of 5 samples for each pollutant exceeded the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) in marine and estuarine sediment.

Data Reference:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

The Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) for Effects-Range Median (Long et al., 1995) are 25 ug/g for Antimony, 70 ug/g for Arsenic, 370 ug/g for Chromium, and 260 ng/g for Dibenz[a,h]anthracene (all dry weight).

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:

Temporal Representation:

The sediment samples were taken on 9/16/2003 and 10/6/2003 as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight'03) 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 34273, Multiple Pollutants	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34273, Multiple Pollutants	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5690

Pollutant:

Benzo(a)anthracene | Benzo(a)pyrene (3,4-Benzopyrene -7-d) | Chrysene (C1-C4) | Phenanthrene | Pyrene

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Estuarine Habitat | Marine Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The data used is from the Southern CA Bight 2003 Regional Monitoring Program (Volume II, Sediment Chemistry).
None of five samples for each pollutant exceeded the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) in marine and estuarine sediment.

Data Reference:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

The Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) for Probable Effects-Level (MacDonald et al., 1996) are 763.22 ng/g for Benzo(a)pyrene , 692.53 ng/g for Benzo[a]anthracene , 845.98 ng/g for Chrysene, 545.53 ng/g for Phenanthrene, and 1,397.4 ng/g for Pyrene (all dry weight).

Guideline Reference:

Development and evaluation of sediment quality guidelines for Florida coastal waters. Ecotoxicology 5: 253-278

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

The sediment samples were taken on 9/16/2003 and 10/6/2003 as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight?03) 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 34273, Multiple Pollutants	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5758

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Marine Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

A total of four of five samples exhibited significant toxicity to Eohaustorius Estuarius.

Data Reference:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data

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:

Toxicity was defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing (parametric Dunnett's Test or non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis or Wilcoxon Two-sample Test).

Guideline Reference:

Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition. EPA 600/4-90/27.

Spatial Representation:

Five monitoring stations were monitored in Ballona Creek Estuary as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project:
4053 (Lat 33.97109, Long -118.43916)
4213 (Lat 33.97395, Long -118.43504)
5735 (Lat 33.96648, Long -118.44784)
5767 (Lat 33.96515, Long -118.45024)
5787 (Lat 33.96274, Long -118.45500)

Temporal Representation:

Sediment samples were taken on 09/16/2003 for sampling stations 4053 and 4213 and on 10/06/2003 for sampling stations 5735, 5767, and 5787 as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight'03) Quality Assurance Manual

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual


DECISION ID	39181	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for removal from the section 303(d) list under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess delisting status. Two lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess toxicity. Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of 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. Eight of nine samples exhibit significant toxicity to Eohaustorius Estuarius and this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are met. 4. The Ballona Creek Toxics TMDL was approved by RWQCB in July 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA and is in place to address toxicity in this water body. 5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 39181, Toxicity	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5762

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Marine Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

A total of one out of one samples exhibited significant toxicity to Ceriodaphnia dubia. The sample was tested for acute and chronic toxicity to Primephales promelas and Ceriodaphnia dubia.

Data Reference:

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program data for all watersheds in the Los Angeles Region 2001-2005.

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Basin Plan states at there shall be no acute or chronic toxicity in ambient waters outside mixing zones.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition. EPA 600/4-90/27.

Spatial Representation:

Samples were taken at monitoring station 405SMB052 in Ballona Creek Estuary at Centinela Boulevard.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were taken on 03/06/03 as part of the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP).

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Management Plan

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Quality Assurance Management Plan for the State of California's Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program. Sacramento, CA. State Water Resources Control Board. SWAMP. December 2002 (1st version)

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 39181, Toxicity	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 39181, Toxicity	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

5758

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Aquatic Life Use:

Marine Habitat | Wildlife Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

A total of four of five samples exhibited significant toxicity to Eohaustorius Estuarius.

Data Reference:

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey Data

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:

Guideline Reference:

Methods for Measuring the Acute Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater and Marine Organisms, Fourth Edition. EPA 600/4-90/27.

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Sediment samples were taken on 09/16/2003 for sampling stations 4053 and 4213 and on 10/06/2003 for sampling stations 5735, 5767, and 5787 as part of the Bight 03 Monitoring Project.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight'03) Quality Assurance Manual

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Southern California Bight 2003 Regional Marine Monitoring Survey (Bight 03) Quality Assurance Manual


DECISION ID	38268	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Dieldrin
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)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the section 303(d) list under section 3.5 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.5 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. One of the measurements exceed the tissue guideline. These data are over 10 years old and may not represent current conditions. 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 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. One of 3 samples exceeded the tissue guideline and and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. 3. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 38268, Dieldrin	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2402

Pollutant:

Dieldrin

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Three samples with 1 measurement exceeding the 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: 2.0 ug/kg (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station.

Temporal Representation:

State Mussel Watch Data: Composite mussel sample of three individuals collected in 1985, 1986, and 1988.
Toxic Substances Monitoring Program: One fish sample collected in 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

State Mussel Watch an Toxic Substances Monitoring Program. Data that are older than ten years are not used by OEHHA in developing health assessments because data do not represent current conditions (Brodberg, personal communication).

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33948	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Cadmium
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Metals (57)
TMDL Project Code:	396
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	Cadmium has not been specifically listed on the 303(d) list. The USEPA final decision for the 2006 303(d) list added this listing to the 'being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL portion of the 303(d) List. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by the Regional Board in 7/2005 and by USEPA in 12/2005.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33948, Cadmium	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2407

Pollutant:

Cadmium

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a listing decision made by USEPA for 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33453	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Chlordane
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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 information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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 were twenty samples with 18 exceeding the sediment quality guideline and sediment toxicity has been observed. There were four tissue samples, none of which exceeded the screening value. However, the Ballona Creek Toxic Sediments TMDL has been approved by the Regional Board in July 2005 and by USEPA in December 2005 and is in place to address this pollutant in this water body. 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 Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33453, Chlordane	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2401

Pollutant:

Chlordane

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty samples with 18 exceeding 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:

An Effects Range-Median value of 6 ug/g was used (Long and Morgan, 1990).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

The sediment listings were based primarily on data collected as part of the BPTCP, which collected samples from a single station (Station 44024.0) at the mouth of the estuary. The CSTF database also contains sediment data from two studies in the bay near the mouth of the Ballona Creek Estuary. In one study, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) analyzed chemical concentrations in sediments at six stations. The other study performed by the LACDPW provides information on long-term trends in sediment contaminant concentrations at two locations.

Temporal Representation:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Description of QA information in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33453, Chlordane	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2400

Pollutant:

Chlordane

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with no measurements exceeding the screening value (SWAMP, 2004).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

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: 30 ug/kg (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station.

Temporal Representation:

State Mussel Watch Data: Composite mussel sample of three individuals collected in 1985, 1986, and 1988.
Toxic Substances Monitoring Program: One fish sample collected in 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33453, Chlordane	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	39502	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Copper
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Metals (57)
TMDL Project Code:	396
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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. A TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL has been approved by the Regional Board in 7/2005 and by USEPA in 12/2005. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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. Ten of 48 samples exceeded the copper water quality criterion and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. However there is a TMDL in place to address this pollutant in this water body. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	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.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 39502, Copper	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2388

Pollutant:

Copper

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Forty-eight samples with 10 exceeding the water quality criterion. Detection limits was 10 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2005).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

CTR Copper Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of marine aquatic life. The value used was 3.1 ug/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The metals data from the City of Los Angeles were from four locations along Ballona Creek at National Boulevard, Overland Avenue, Centinela Boulevard, and Pacific Avenue. The data from Centinela Boulevard and Pacific Avenue are representative of the estuary and these data were used to assess conditions in the estuary.

Temporal Representation:

Sampled on a monthly basis between January 2002 through May 2003.

Environmental Conditions:

Data are representative of dry-weather conditions.

QAPP Information:

City of Los Angeles.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33943	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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 information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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 were four samples with 1 measurement exceeding the screening value and sediment toxicity has been observed. However, the Ballona Creek Toxics TMDL was approved by RWQCB in July 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in December 2005 and is in place to address this pollutant in this water body. 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 Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33943, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2397

Pollutant:

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 1 measurement exceeding the 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).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station.

Temporal Representation:

State Mussel Watch Data: Composite mussel sample of three individuals collected in 1985, 1986, and 1988.
Toxic Substances Monitoring Program: One fish sample collected in 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

State Mussel Watch and Toxic Substances Monitoring Program. Data that are older than ten years are not used by OEHHA in developing health assessments because data do not represent current conditions (Brodberg, personal communication).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33943, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2398

Pollutant:

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-eight samples were collected (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:

No sediment quality guideline is available that satisfies the conditions of section 6.1.3 of the Listing Policy.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

There were eight sampling stations. The previous sediment listings were based primarily on data collected as part of the BPTCP, which collected samples from a single station (Station 44024.0) at the mouth of the estuary. The Contaminated Sediments Task Force database also contains sediment data from two studies in the bay near the mouth of the Ballona Creek Estuary. In one study, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) analyzed chemical concentrations in sediments at six stations. The other study performed by the LACDPW provides information on long-term trends in sediment contaminant concentrations at two locations.

Temporal Representation:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

Environmental Conditions:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

QAPP Information:

Description of QA information in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33943, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33739	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Indicator Bacteria
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Coliform (49)
TMDL Project Code:	393
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	01/01/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	303(d) listing decisions made prior to 2006 were not held in an assessment database. The Regional Boards will update this decision when new data and information become available and are assessed. The USEPA final decision on the 2006 303(d) list was to move this listing to the 'being addressed by a USEPA approved TMDL' portion of the 303(d) list, because the Ballona Creek, Ballona Estuary and Sepulveda Channel Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on March 26, 2007 (USEPA, 2007).

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33739, Indicator Bacteria	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2405

Pollutant:

Coliform Bacteria

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	44280	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Lead
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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. Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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. Twenty eight samples with 12 exceeding the sediment quality guideline and sediment toxicity has been observed. However, a TMDL is in place to address this pollutant in this water body. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL has been approved by the Regional Board in 7/2005 and by USEPA in 12/2005. 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 Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44280, Lead	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 44280, Lead	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2390

Pollutant:

Lead

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty eight samples with 12 exceeding 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 Effects Level of 112.18 ug/g was used (MacDonald et al., 1996).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

The previous sediment listings were based primarily on data collected as part of the BPTCP, which collected samples from a single station (Station 44024.0) at the mouth of the estuary. The Contaminated Sediments Task Force database also contains sediment data from two studies in the bay near the mouth of the Ballona Creek Estuary. In one study, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) analyzed chemical concentrations in sediments at six stations. The other study performed by the LACDPW provides information on long-term trends in sediment contaminant concentrations at two locations.

Temporal Representation:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Description of QA information in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33985	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for listing under section 2.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status. The Ballona Creek Toxics TMDL was approved by RWQCB in July 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in December 2005. Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33985, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2406

Pollutant:

PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Not Recorded

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	32536	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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 information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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. Four out of 4 tissue samples exceed the OEHHA screening value and one out of 28 samples exceed the sediment quality guideline. Sediment toxicity has been observed. However, the Ballona Creek Toxics TMDL was approved by RWQCB in July 2005 and subsequently approved by USEPA in December 2005 and is in place to address this pollutant in this water body. 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 Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32536, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2394

Pollutant:

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Tissue

Matrix:

Tissue

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements exceeding the 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: 20 ug/kg (Brodberg and Pollock, 1999).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station.

Temporal Representation:

State Mussel Watch Data: Composite mussel sample of three individuals collected in 1985, 1986, and 1988.
Toxic Substances Monitoring Program: One fish sample collected in 1993.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

State Mussel Watch and Toxic Substances Monitoring Program. Data that are older than ten years are no used by OEHHA in developing health assessments because data do not represent current conditions (Brodberg, personal communication).

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32536, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 32536, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2395

Pollutant:

PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-eight samples with 1 exceeding 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 sediment quality guideline of 400 ng/g was used to evaluate the data (McDonald et al., 2000).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

There were eight sampling stations. The previous sediment listings were based primarily on data collected as part of the BPTCP, which collected samples from a single station (Station 44024.0) at the mouth of the estuary. The CSTF database also contains sediment data from two studies in the bay near the mouth of the Ballona Creek Estuary. In one study, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) analyzed chemical concentrations in sediments at six stations. The other study performed by the LACDPW provides information on long-term trends in sediment contaminant concentrations at two locations.

Temporal Representation:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Description of QA information in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	34520	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Silver
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code:	235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	Silver is included on the 303(d) list because during the development of the Ballona Creek Estuary Toxics TMDL, USEPA and the Los Angeles Region found that the Ballona Creek listings for sediments (cadmium, copper, lead and silver) were made in error and should be applied to the Estuary. The USEPA final decision for the 2006 303(d) list added this listing to the 'being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL portion of the 303(d) List. The Ballona Creek Estuary Toxics TMDL was approved by the Regional Board in 7/2005 and by USEPA in 12/2005.

Regional Board Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 34520, Silver	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2408

Pollutant:

Silver

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Not Specified

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Not Specified

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a listing decision made by USEPA for 2006.

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Temporal Representation:

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QA Info Missing

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	33452	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

Pollutant:	Zinc
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2012)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	Nonpoint Source \| Point Source
TMDL Name:	Ballona Creek Metals (57)
TMDL Project Code:	396
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	12/22/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Staff Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for delisting under sections 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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. Based on the readily available information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination in the Water Quality Limited Segments Being Addressed portion of the section 303(d) list. 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 were twenty-eight samples with 3 measurements exceeding the sediment quality guideline and sediment toxicity has been observed. There were four tissue samples, none of which exceeded the screening value. However, a TMDL is in place to address this pollutant in this water body. 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 Staff Decision Recommendation:	This is a decision previously approved by the State Water Resources Control Board and the USEPA. No new data were assessed by the Regional Board for the current. The decision has not changed.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33452, Zinc	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2404

Pollutant:

Zinc

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Sediment

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Chemical monitoring of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-eight samples with 3 measurements exceeding 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:

An Effects Range-Median of 410 ug/g was used (Long et al., 1995).

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

The previous sediment listings were based primarily on data collected as part of the BPTCP, which collected samples from a single station (Station 44024.0) at the mouth of the estuary. The CSTF database also contains sediment data from two studies in the bay near the mouth of the Ballona Creek Estuary. In one study, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) analyzed chemical concentrations in sediments at six stations. The other study performed by the LACDPW provides information on long-term trends in sediment contaminant concentrations at two locations.

Temporal Representation:

BPTCP: January 1993 and February 1994.
USACE: in March 1998.
LACDPW: 1990 -1999.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Description of QA information in the Contaminated Sediments Task Force Database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 33452, Zinc	Region 4
Ballona Creek Estuary

LOE ID:

2392

Pollutant:

Sediment Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Sediment

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Estuarine Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Toxicity testing of sediments

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Four samples with 4 measurements of significant amphipod toxicity (Anderson et al., 1998).

Data Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Basin Plan: 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:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Evaluation Guideline:

Significant toxicity as compared to control.

Guideline Reference:

Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)

Spatial Representation:

One station at the mouth of the estuary (BPTCP 44024.0).

Temporal Representation:

Samples collected January 1993 and February 1994.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Bay Protection and Toxic Cleanup Program.

QAPP Information Reference(s):