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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name:	Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)
Water Body ID:	CAR4052100020110724133601
Water Body Type:	River & Stream


DECISION ID	93642	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. 1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2. 4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 93642, Alkalinity as CaCO3	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83153

Pollutant:

Alkalinity as CaCO3

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Alkalinity as CaCO3.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations which are toxic to, or which produce detrimental physiological responses in, human, plant, animal, or aquatic life (Water Quality Control Plan, Colorado River Basin).

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

The Alkalinity as CaCO3 criteria for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is 20000 ug/L (National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2009).

Guideline Reference:

Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	98008	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Benthic Community Effects
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	Benthic Community Effects is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, an additional line of evidence associating the Benthic Community Effects with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants is necessary to assess listing status. This site is below the 0.79 threshold, however the sample size is insufficient. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing Benthic Community Effects in this water segment 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. This site is below the 0.79 threshold indicating poor water quality for this area but this sample size is insufficient to determine with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy if standards are not met. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. The CSCI is applicable statewide, accounts for a much wider range of natural variability, and provides equivalent scoring thresholds in all regions of the state. The CSCI will be used in the future for water quality assessment purposes statewide over the regional indices of biologic integrity (IBIs).

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:	The CSCI is applicable statewide, accounts for a much wider range of natural variability, and provides equivalent scoring thresholds in all regions of the state. The CSCI will be used in the future for water quality assessment purposes statewide over the regional indices of biologic integrity (IBIs).

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98008, Benthic Community Effects	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

95268

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The CSCI score for this site is 0.660792680342071. This site is below the 0.79 threshold, and is therefore exceeding the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that are lethal to or that produce significant alterations in population or community ecology or receiving water biota. In addition, the health and life history characteristics of aquatic organisms in waters affected by controllable water quality factors shall not differ significantly from those for the same waters in areas unaffected by controllable water quality factors.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

The California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) is a biological scoring tool that helps aquatic resource managers translate complex data about benthic macroinvertebrates found living in a stream into an overall measure of stream health. The CSCI score is calculated by comparing the expected condition with actual (observed) results (Rhen, A.C. et al., 2015). CSCI scores range from 0 (highly degraded) to greater than 1 (equivalent to reference). CSCI scoring of biological condition are as follows (per the scientific paper supporting the development of the CSCI scoring tool): greater than or equal to 0.92 = likely intact condition, 0.91 to 0.80 = possibly altered condition, 0.79 to 0.63 = likely altered condition, less than or equal to 0.62 = very likely altered condition. Sites with scores below 0.79 are considered to have exceeded the water quality objective for the aquatic life beneficial use.

Guideline Reference:

Bioassessment in complex environments: designing an index for consistent meaning in different settings

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was done at station 412PS0040 Bull Creek 40.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling was done on May 20, 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected for the SWAMP Perennial Streams Survey following SWAMP protocols and data were stored in the SWAMP database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98008, Benthic Community Effects	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83155

Pollutant:

Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments

LOE Subgroup:

Population/Community Degradation

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

The sample collected scored below 40 on the IBI, which means this water body would be considered to have impaired conditions based on the bioassessment.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

The Index of Biological Integrity (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. For the Southern California IBI, sites with scores below 40 are considered to have impaired conditions.

Guideline Reference:

A Quantitative Tool for Assessing the Integrity of Southern Coastal California Streams. Environmental Management. Volume 35, number 1 (2005): pp. 1-13

Spatial Representation:

Sampling was done at station 412PS0040 Bull Creek 40.

Temporal Representation:

Sampling was done on May 20, 2008.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

Samples were collected for the SWAMP Perennial Streams Survey following SWAMP protocols and data were stored in the SWAMP database.

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	93643	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Chloride
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. 1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 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 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2. 4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 93643, Chloride	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83156

Pollutant:

Chloride

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 3-8 of The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region specifies the Chloride objective for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) within the Los Angeles River watershed's Above Figueroa Street reach boundary as 150 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	93691	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. 1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1. 4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 93691, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83157

Pollutant:

Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 3-8 of The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region specifies the Nitrate/Nitrite as N objective for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) within the Los Angeles River watershed's Above Figueroa Street reach boundary as 8 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	94085	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 0 of 210 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. 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 1 and 0 of 210 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this does not exceed 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 not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94085, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83161

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

210

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-one of the 210 daily averaged samples were below 5 mg/L.

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Dissolved Oxygen Water Quality Objective of all surface waters designated as Warm Fresh Water Aquatic Habitat shall not be depressed below 5 mg/l.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at Bull Creek Rec Lakes J and K (these locations are less than 200 meters apart so samples from these sites were averaged by day).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between 2007-2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The quality assurance manual for the Environmental Monitoring Division Bureau of Sanitation, Department of Public Works, City of Los Angeles was provided. Toxicity testing methods and requirements are in the NPDES permit CA0056227.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94085, Oxygen, Dissolved	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83160

Pollutant:

Oxygen, Dissolved

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Dissolved

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-11) states that: "The dissolved oxygen content of all surface waters designated as WARM shall not be depressed below 5 mg/L as a result of waste discharges."

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	94084	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Sulfates
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. 1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 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 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2. 4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

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

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94084, Sulfates	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83166

Pollutant:

Sulfates

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Table 3-8 of The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region specifies the Sulfate objective for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) within the Los Angeles River watershed's Above Figueroa Street reach boundary as 300 mg/L.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan


DECISION ID	94086	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 0 of 210 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. 1 of 211 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this does not exceed 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 not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94086, Temperature, water	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83168

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Water Temperature.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than 5 deg. F above the natural temperature. At no time shall these WARM-designated waters be raised above 80 deg. F as a result of waste discharges.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels and Compliance. CCR Title 22 section 64449.

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94086, Temperature, water	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83169

Pollutant:

Temperature, water

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

210

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

None of the 210 daily averages were above 80 degrees F, but it should be noted that 6 measurements were at 80 degrees.

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

For waters designated as WARM, water temperature shall not be altered more than 5 degrees F above the natural temperature. At no time shall these WARM designated waters be raised above 80 degrees F as a result of waste discharges.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at Bull Creek Rec Lakes J and K (these locations are less than 200 meters apart so samples from these sites were averaged by day).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between 2007-2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	100586	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	pH
Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status. 4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 1 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 1 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 5 of 210 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE. 1 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE. Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that: 1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy. 2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy. 3. 1 of 1, 6 of 211 and 1 of 1 sample exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 26 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.2.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100586, pH	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83162

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for insland surface waters, bays, or estuaries 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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100586, pH	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83164

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Water Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for insland surface waters, bays, or estuaries 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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100586, pH	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83163

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Non-Contact Recreation

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

State Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for pH.

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for insland surface waters, bays, or estuaries 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

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100586, pH	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83165

Pollutant:

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

210

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Five of the 210 daily averaged samples were above 8.5.

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

From the Basin Plan, the Water Quality Objective for inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waste discharges to protect aquatic life BUs.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at Bull Creek Rec Lakes J and K (these locations are less than 200 meters apart so samples from these sites were averaged by day).

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected between 2007-2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	98863	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Toxicity
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date:	2027
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 12 of 29 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE. 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 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. 12 of 29 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

Regional Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 98863, Toxicity	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83170

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Twenty-nine samples were collected to evaluate water toxicity. Twelve of the 29 samples exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity tests included acute and chronic toxicity. The species and methods used can be found in the NPDES permit CA0056227.

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

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 is defined as a statistically significant effect in the sample exposure compared to the control using EPA-recommended hypothesis testing. The t-test is used to determine if there is a statistically significant decrease in organism response in the sample as compared to the control.

Guideline Reference:

Short-term Methods for Estimating the Chronic Toxicity of Effluents and Receiving Waters to Freshwater Organisms. Fourth Edition. Office of Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Washington, D.C. EPA-821-R-02-013

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at Bull Creek Rec Lakes J and K.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected from 2007-2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):


DECISION ID	94087	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

Pollutant:	Ammonia
Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision:	List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2016)
Revision Status	Original
Sources:	A Source Unknown
TMDL Name:	Los Angeles River Nitrogen (11)
TMDL Project Code:	229
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA:	03/23/2004
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution:	Pollutant

Regional Board Conclusion:	This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 10 of 44 samples exceeded the CRITERIA. 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA. 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 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. 10 of 44 examples exceeded the CRITERIA and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met. The impairment is being addressed by the Los Angeles River Nitrogen TMDL which was approved by EPA in March 23, 2004

Regional Board Decision 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.

State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:

State Board Decision Recommendation:	After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94087, Ammonia	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83158

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Ten out of 44 averaged samples exceeded the Basin Plan objective for total ammonia as nitrogen. A total of 263 samples were collected. All exceedances were prior to August 2007.

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

SWAMP Data:

Non-SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan 30-day objective for ammonia is a function of pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages. The objective is applied presuming early life stages are absent.

Objective/Criterion Reference:

Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan

Evaluation Guideline:

Guideline Reference:

Spatial Representation:

Samples were collected monitoring sites J and K. Samples from these sites are within 200 meters and were considered as a single location.

Temporal Representation:

Samples were collected quarterly in 2006 and beginning of 2007. Samples were collected weekly starting March 2007 through May 2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

The samples were collected by the Environmental Monitoring Division of the City of Los Angeles using a quality assurance program for all laboratory analysis. These laboratories are individually certified by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) of the California Department of Health Services.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94087, Ammonia	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83154

Pollutant:

Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)

LOE Subgroup:

Pollutant-Water

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

Total

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Statewide Perennial Streams Assessment 2008

SWAMP Data:

SWAMP

Water Quality Objective/Criterion:

Surface water 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:

Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia – Freshwater (USEPA 2013): the 30-day rolling average concentration (criterion continuous concentration or CCC) of total ammonia nitrogen(in mg TAN/L) in freshwater are not to be exceeded more than once every three years on average. The CCC values are based on pH and temperature. The CCC formula is found on page 46 and the table of CCC values is on page 49.

Guideline Reference:

Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013

Spatial Representation:

Data for this line of evidence for Bull Creek (Los Angeles County) was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Bull Creek 40 - 412PS0040]

Temporal Representation:

Data was collected on a single day 5/20/2008.

Environmental Conditions:

Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.

QAPP Information:

The SWAMP QAPP (2008) was followed.

QAPP Information Reference(s):

Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program Quality Assurance Program Plan

Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 94087, Ammonia	Region 4
Bull Creek (Los Angeles County)

LOE ID:

83170

Pollutant:

Toxicity

LOE Subgroup:

Toxicity

Matrix:

Water

Fraction:

None

Beneficial Use:

Warm Freshwater Habitat

Number of Samples:

Number of Exceedances:

Data and Information Type:

TOXICITY TESTING

Data Used to Assess Water Quality:

Data Reference:

Data from the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit no. CA0056227, Jan 2006-May 2010

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:

Spatial Representation:

The samples were collected at Bull Creek Rec Lakes J and K.

Temporal Representation:

The samples were collected from 2007-2010.

Environmental Conditions:

QAPP Information:

QAPP Information Reference(s):