Draft California 2024 Integrated Report (303(d) List/305(b) Report)

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Ballona Creek
Water Body ID: CAR4051300019980918142302
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
138096
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 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.

3 line of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 36 samples exceeded the criteria.
2 of 30 sample exceeded the criteria.
1 of 27 samples exceeded the guideline.

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 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. 0 of 36 and 2 of 30 samples exceeded the criteria and 1 of 27 samples exceed the guideline and this does not exceed 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251924
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-20 and 2016-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251818
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251854
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 10 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251817
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 9
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 9 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246034
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cadmium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for cadmium is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 4.98 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82976
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2367
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There were 21 samples collected, one of which exceeded the PEL for cadmium. Samples were collected by the Army Corps of Engineers (Heal the Bay, 2006).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: Probable Effects Level (PEL) of 4.21 ug/g (dry weight) (Macdonald, et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Several samplings throughout the water body.
Temporal Representation: October 5-6, 1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Army Corps of Engineers Sediment Chemistry Data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82975
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cadmium.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for cadmium is 4.98 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251899
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-20 and 2016-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251897
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved cadmium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-14 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138096, Cadmium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138108
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82902
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for dieldrin is 61.8 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252227
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dieldrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.056 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-01-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248277
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 4 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dieldrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for dieldrin is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 61.8 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2373
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: To assess potential impairments associated with contaminant concentrations in fish and shellfish tissue, summary information that formed the basis for the 1998 303(d) list was reviewed. Tissue data used in the assessment were from the State Mussel Watch Program in the mid-1980s and data collected as part of the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) in 1993. A review of the original data sets revealed that both sets of data were from locations in Ballona Creek Estuary. There are no data on fish tissue or mussel tissue for Ballona Creek. Consequently the Ballona Creek listing for this pollutant in tissue was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138108, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82901
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for dieldrin is 61.8 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138130
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Applicable WQS attained; reason for recovery unspecified
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138130, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2369
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) (dioxin-like)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: To assess potential impairments associated with contaminant concentrations in fish and shellfish tissue, summary information that formed the basis for the 1998 303(d) list was reviewed. Tissue data used in the assessment were from the State Mussel Watch Program in the mid-1980s and data collected as part of the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) in 1993. A review of the original data sets revealed that both sets of data were from locations in Ballona Creek Estuary. There are no data on fish tissue or mussel tissue for Ballona Creek. Consequently the Ballona Creek listing for this pollutant in tissue was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138130, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83010
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Zero of 1 sample collected for Total PCBs exceeded the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The total PCB sediment target of 22.7 ng/g dry weight are derived from the Effects Range-Low (ER-Ls) guidelines compiled by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)(NOAA, 6/12/1999).
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected on 5/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
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 138130, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83011
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of 1 sample collected for Total PCBs measured as the sum of arochlor 1254, 1248 and 1260 was 113 ng/g dry weight which exceeded the evaluation guideline.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses (Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The total PCB sediment target of 22.7 ng/g dry weight are derived from the Effects Range-Low (ER-Ls) guidelines compiled by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)(NOAA, 6/12/1999).
Guideline Reference: The potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status of Trends Program. NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS OMA 52. Seattle, WA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected on 5/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
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 138130, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250327
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for total PCBs is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 676 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138134
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Silver
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
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.

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

Ballona Creek, above Centinela Blvd., is a concrete-lined channel and the Ballona Creek Estuary, below Centinela Blvd., is soft-bottom. Data used in the 1996 WQA to assess Ballona Creek for silver in sediment appear to have been collected from the soft-bottom estuary. Data for silver in sediment from Line of Evidence (LOE) 2366 appears to follow the same pattern and the information described in the LOE will not be considered in this decision. LOE 28195 is a narrative description of this information. Accordingly, in the Ballona Creek Estuary Toxic Pollutants TMDL, "USEPA and the State found that the Ballona Creek listings for all sediments (cadmium, copper, lead and silver) were made in error and should be applied to the estuary."

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 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. 0 of 35 and 1 of 18 samples exceeded the criteria for silver in water and this does not exceed 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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252826
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252783
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-12-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252845
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-14 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252806
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-17 and 2019-01-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252827
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-20 and 2016-11-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252807
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved silver criterion maximum concentration (CMC) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardnesss dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 3.4 ug/L. This criterion was divided by 2 in order to better represent a CMC value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule, 2000.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2018-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2366
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Chemical monitoring of sediments
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: There were 21 samples collected with 3 exceeding the PEL. Samples were collected by the Army Corps of Engineers (Heal the Bay, 2006).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline: Probable Effects Level (PEL) of 1.77 ug/g (dry weight) (MacDonald et al., 1996).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Several sites in the water body.
Temporal Representation: October 5-6, 1999.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: ACOE Sediment Chemistry Data.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83015
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion maximum concentrations for silver to protect aquatic life in freshwater (1-hour average). The silver criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138134, Silver
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 28195
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. The Ballona Creek Estuary Toxic Pollutants TMDL indicates that, "Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek Estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. Agencies unfamiliar with this regulatory distinction may have inadvertently attributed samples collected from Ballona Creek Estuary to Ballona Creek. Sediment data used in the 1996 WQA appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed Estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel."
Data Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
  Ballona Creek Estuary Toxic Pollutants TMDL Final Staff Report. Prepared by California Regional Water Quality Control Board Los Angeles Region and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9.
 
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 not available.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138133
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

Four lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
2 of the 35 samples exceeded the criteria.
6 of the 132 samples exceeded the criteria.
0 of the 7 samples exceeded the criteria.
0 of the 3 samples exceeded the criteria.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. 2 of 35, 6 of 132, 0 of 7 and 0 of 3 samples exceeded the criteria and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253052
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252699
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-02-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253031
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252703
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The selenium criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2351
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-five water samples, 3 samples exceeding (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 5 ug/l is the highest concentration of Selenium to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (four days) without deleterious effects applicable to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled mostly during the wet season.
Temporal Representation: Samples collected from 1997 through 1999 in the fall, spring, summer, and winter. Most samples collected during wet season.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2352
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling intervals. One (1) sample exceeded the CTR Selenium Continuous Criterion Concentration (LACDPW, 2004c).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 5 ug/l is the highest concentration of Selenium to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (four days) without deleterious effects applicable to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two (22) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gauge station (Stream Gauge No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2353
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 55
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two measurements of 55 exceed the water quality criterion. Three measurements greater than detection limit (USEPA and LAWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 5 ug/l is the highest concentration of Selenium to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (four days) without deleterious effects applicable to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sampling location.
Temporal Representation: Samples collected between 1996 and 2002.
Environmental Conditions: These are wet-weather data taken from the Ballona Creek Metals TMDL. These measurements overlap with other measurements collected by LACDPW.
QAPP Information: Los Angeles Count Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2354
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: No samples exceed the water quality criterion out of 30 samples. The detection limit was 100 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 5 ug/l is the highest concentration of Selenium to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (four days) without deleterious effects applicable to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The metals data from SCCWRP were from a characterization study of Ballona Creek and Estuary to identify relative metals contributions of runoff discharges during dry conditions. Twelve in-stream sites and at the discharge of 35-40 storm drains were sampled (number depended on whether there was flow from the drain on the sampling day). Nine of the in-stream sites were from the Creek and three of the in-stream sites were from the estuary. One of the storm drains was Sepulveda Canyon Channel and this data was used to assess conditions for that listed reach.
Temporal Representation: Sampling was conducted on May 17, July 16, and September 24, 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples represent dry-weather conditions.
QAPP Information: Southern California Coastal Water Research Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138133, Selenium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83014
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Two of the 30 samples exceeded the objective of 5 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The CTR for selenium is 5.0 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138104
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. 11 of 46 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criterion continuous concentration for cyanide and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy for warm freshwater habitat.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138104, Cyanide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252350
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyanide.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The cyanide criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 5.2 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138104, Cyanide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2339
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 18 samples out of which three samples exceeded the CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 0.0052 mg/l for protection of aquatic life (LACDPW, 2004c).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Criteria Continuous Concentration of 0.0052 mg/l is the highest concentration of Cyanide to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (four days) without deleterious effects applicable to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning on 10/12/00 through 04/30/2003 at approximately one to two-week sampling interval.
Temporal Representation: Eighteen samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two-week sampling interval as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water Monitoring report prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: Data Age is 1 to 4 years old. The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gage station (Stream Gage No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138104, Cyanide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82989
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of the 27 samples exceeded the water quality threshold.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (NTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The CTR for cyanide is 5.2 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138103
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Copper
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A 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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA 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 listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess pollutant.
71 of 248 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
11 of 13 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

This pollutant is also being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.1 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.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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. 39 of 168 and 0 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. 0 of 6 samples exceed the guideline and this is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.
4. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 12/22/2005.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2362
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling intervals. Six (6) samples exceeded the Copper Continuous Criterion Concentration, which equals the highest concentration of a pollutant to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (4 days) without deleterious effects (LACDPW, 2003-2003).
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 aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two (22) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gauge station (Stream Gauge No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2364
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 48
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of 48 samples exceeded the CTR criterion. The detection limit is 10 ug/L (LACDPW, 2003-2003).
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 aquatic life.
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 National and Overland Boulevards are representative of Ballona Creek Reaches 1 and 2, respectively.
Temporal Representation: Sampled on a monthly basis between January 2002 through May 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples are representative of dry-weather conditions. A hardness value of 300 mg/L was used to calculate the water quality criterion.
QAPP Information: City of Los Angeles.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82986
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Nine of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82985
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Copper.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for copper is 149 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2363
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 30 samples exceeded the CTR criterion. Detection limit was 10 μg/L (SCCWRP, 2004).
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 aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The metals data from SCCWRP were from a characterization study of Ballona Creek and Estuary to identify relative metals contributions of runoff discharges during dry conditions. Twelve in-stream sites, including nine from Ballona Creek and three of the in-stream sites in the estuary. One of the storm drains was Sepulveda Canyon Channel and this data was used to assess conditions for that listed reach.
Temporal Representation: Sampling was conducted on May 17, July 16, and September 24, 2003.
Environmental Conditions: These samples represent dry-weather conditions.
QAPP Information: Southern California Coastal Water Research Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2361
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 17
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-eight water samples, 17 samples exceeding acute criterion (LACDPW, 2003-2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: California Toxics Rule. Acute criterion.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected spatially along Ballona Creek.
Temporal Representation: Fall, spring, winter, summer in different years.
Environmental Conditions: Data is 1-5 years old, data measured in water body during these years, environmental conditions (winter, spring in different years).
QAPP Information: Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252117
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-09-28 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252098
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-09-28 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252256
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-08-20 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252095
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252094
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 32 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-11-30 and 2019-02-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252193
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-01-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252192
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 9
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 31 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved copper criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 9 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-11-30 and 2019-02-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138103, Copper
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247607
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Copper .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for copper is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 149 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
150277
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Ballona Creek Coliform (49)
TMDL Project Code: 393
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/26/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and section 4.3 of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.3 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List. There is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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. 467 of 467 samples exceeded the geometric mean and 217 of 232 samples exceeded the statistical threshold value for E. coli and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Ballona Creek, Ballona Estuary and Sepulveda Channel Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on March 26, 2007
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303045
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: GeoMean
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 118
Number of Exceedances: 118
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 118 of the 118 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use for waters where the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a rolling six-week geometric mean of E. coli, not to exceed 100 cfu/100 mL (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303186
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 53
Number of Exceedances: 52
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 52 of the 53 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BCE_MCC (BCE_MCC).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303103
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 5 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-07-28 and 2016-07-28 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303062
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: GeoMean
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 121
Number of Exceedances: 121
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 121 of the 121 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use for waters where the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a rolling six-week geometric mean of E. coli, not to exceed 100 cfu/100 mL (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BC_01_WAS (BC_01_WAS).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2376
 
Pollutant: Coliform Bacteria
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82909
 
Pollutant: Fecal Coliform
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 22
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Twenty-two of the twenty-six samples exeeded the fecal coliform objective.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The single sample fecal coliform concentration shall not exceed more than 400/100ml. Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected from November 2006 to March 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: This data was collected by the The Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the Los Angeles County Municipal Stormwater Permit (NPDES Permit No. CAS004001. The monitoring and reporting program report was provided.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303064
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: GeoMean
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 118
Number of Exceedances: 118
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 118 of the 118 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use for waters where the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a rolling six-week geometric mean of E. coli, not to exceed 100 cfu/100 mL (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BCC_DUQ (BCC_DUQ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303105
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: GeoMean
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 110
Number of Exceedances: 110
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 110 of the 110 samples exceeded the geomean water quality threshold for E. coli. This is a six week rolling geomean that is calculated weekly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use for waters where the salinity is equal to or less than 1 part per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a rolling six-week geometric mean of E. coli, not to exceed 100 cfu/100 mL (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BCE_MCC (BCE_MCC).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303119
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 13 of the 16 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303157
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 53
Number of Exceedances: 49
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 49 of the 53 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BCC_DUQ (BCC_DUQ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 302964
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 53
Number of Exceedances: 50
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 50 of the 53 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BC_01_WAS (BC_01_WAS).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150277, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 303142
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 52
Number of Exceedances: 50
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 50 of the 52 samples exceeded the Statistical Threshold Value (STV) water quality threshold for E. coli. The STV is based on a 10% exceedance rate that is calculated monthly.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The bacteria water quality objective to protect the REC-1 beneficial use where the salinity is less than 1 parts per thousand 95 percent or more of the time applies a statistical threshold value to E. coli of 320 cfu/100 mL, not to be exceeded by more than 10 percent of samples within a calendar month (ISWEBE 2018).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Inland Surface Waters, Enclosed Bays, and Estuaries Plan. Part 1: Trash Provisions; Part 2: Tribal Subsistence Beneficial Uses and Mercury Provisions; Part 3: Bacteria Provisions and Variance Policy
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site(s), station(s): BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-03-20 and 2019-12-26 .
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138116
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Lead
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A 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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA 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 listing status.

Three lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. 20 of the 168 samples exceeded the criteria.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removal of this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA 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. 23 of the 195 and 19 of 34 samples exceeded the criteria and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252628
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-17 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252487
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-07-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252432
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 10
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 10 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-04-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252470
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2018-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248893
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Lead .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for lead is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 128 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2356
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Thirty-eight water samples, 5 above chronic criterion (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Lead Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending on total hardness reported.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples collected spatially along Ballona Creek.
Temporal Representation: Fall, winter, spring, summer in different years.
Environmental Conditions: Data is 1-5 years old.
QAPP Information: Los Angeles County Stormwater Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2358
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 48
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of 48 measurements were analyzed. The dry weather detection limits in the City of Los Angeles data exceeded the water quality criterion and this precluded evaluation against the CTR standards. The detection limit was 10 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Lead Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending on total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
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 National and Overland Boulevards are representative of Ballona Creek Reaches 1 and 2, respectively.
Temporal Representation: Sampled on a monthly basis between January 2002 through May 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples are representative of dry-weather conditions. A hardness value of 300 mg/L was used to calculate the water quality criterion.
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2357
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling intervals. One (1) sample exceeded the Lead Continuous Criterion Concentration, which equals the highest concentration of a pollutant to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (4 days) without deleterious effects (LACDPW, 2004c).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Lead Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending on total hardness reported.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two (22) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gauge station (Stream Gauge No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2359
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of 30 measurements exceeded the water criterion. The detection limit is 5 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Lead Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending on total hardness reported.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The metals data from SCCWRP were from a characterization study of Ballona Creek and Estuary to identify relative metals contributions of runoff discharges during dry conditions. Sampling occurred at 12 in-stream sites and at the discharge of 35-40 storm drains (number depended on whether there was flow from the drain on the sampling day). Nine of the in-stream sites were from the Creek and three of the in-stream sites were from the estuary. One of the storm drains was Sepulveda Canyon Channel and this data was used to assess conditions for that listed reach.
Temporal Representation: Sampling was conducted on May 17, July 16, and September 24, 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples are representative of dry-weather conditions. A hardness value of 300 mg/L was used to calculate the water quality criterion.
QAPP Information: Southern California Coastal Water Research Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82933
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Seven of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82932
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Lead.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for lead is 128 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252429
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-17 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252543
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-09-28 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252452
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved lead criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 2.5 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138116, Lead
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138137
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Ballona Creek Toxics (55)
TMDL Project Code: 235
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 01/01/2005
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 2.2 and SECTION of the Listing Policy. Under section 4.6 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the CWA section 303(d) List. There is sufficient justification to place it in the Being Addressed portion of the CWA 303(d) List because a TMDL has been completed and approved by RWQCB and USEPA, and is expected to result in attainment of the standard.

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 10 samples exceeded the default evaluation threshold for toxicity in sediment and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in table 4.1 of the Listing Policy for warm freshwater habitat.
4. 1 of 17 samples exceeded the default evaluation threshold for toxicity in water and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy.
5. The Ballona Creek Toxics was approved by USEPA on 01/01/2005.
6. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244469
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 0 of the 1 samples collected by DPR Surface Water Study for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Hyalella azteca for Survival.
Data Reference: Toxicity data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2020-06-09 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2374
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83018
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the sixteen of the Ceriodaphnia dubia (water flea) 7-day survival/reproduction were reported with TU >1.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
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: The chronic toxicity of the effluent is expressed and reported in Chronic Toxic Units, where,TUc = 100/NOEC or LC50 or EC50, as determined by the results of a critical lifestage toxicity. Toxicity is usually defined as the statistically significant difference from control using a t-test or other valid statistical tests. Since these toxicity data were submitted without a control, toxicity was determined as any sample where the TU was greater than 1.
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: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 14 and 28, not No. 12 and 28. Please change the Temporal Representation to Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 14 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138137, Toxicity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138140
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A 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 Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for removal from the CWA section 303(d) List under section 4.1 and 4.6 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

4 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
5 of the 27 samples exceeded the criteria for zinc in water .
11 of the 243 samples exceeded the criteria for zinc in water.
3 of the 6 samples exceeded the guideline for zinc in sediment.
10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the Being Addressed section of 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. 5 of 27 and 11 of 243 samples exceeded the criteria for zinc in water and 3 of 6 exceeded the guideline for zinc in sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Additionally, 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by the Regional Board in 7/2005 and by USEPA in 12/2005
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 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 removed from the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards for the pollutant are being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253101
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-11-30 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2349
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 47
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Out of forty-seven samples, 2 exceed the water quality criterion. Detection limit was 10 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Zinc Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
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 National and Overland Boulevards are representative of Ballona Creek Reaches 1 and 2, respectively.
Temporal Representation: Sampled on a monthly basis between January 2002 through May 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples are representative of dry-weather conditions. A hardness value of 300 mg/L was used to calculate the water quality criterion.
QAPP Information: City of Los Angeles.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2348
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Out of thirty samples, no measurements exceed the water quality criterion. Detection limit was 20 ug/L (USEPA and LARWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Zinc Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The metals data from SCCWRP were from a characterization study of Ballona Creek and Estuary to identify relative metals contributions of runoff discharges during dry conditions. A total of 70 samples, twelve in-stream sites and at the discharge of 35-40 storm drains were sampled (number depended on whether there was flow from the drain on the sampling day).
Temporal Representation: Sampling was conducted on May 17, July 16, and September 24, 2003.
Environmental Conditions: Samples represent dry-weather conditions. The water quality criterion was calculated with a hardness value of 300 mg/L.
QAPP Information: Southern California Coastal Water Research Project.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83022
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2347
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling intervals. One (1) sample exceeded the Zinc Continuous Criterion Concentration, which equals the highest concentration of a pollutant to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (4 days) without deleterious effects (LACDPW, 2004c; 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Zinc Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gauge station (Stream Gauge No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2346
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 55
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Six of fifty-five water samples exceeded the CTR criterion (USEPA and LAWQCB, 2005).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: CTR Zinc Criterion for continuous concentration in water for the protection of aquatic life is expressed as a function of the total hardness of the water body. The aquatic life criteria will vary depending of total hardness reported. The criterion is linked and applicable for the protection of aquatic life Beneficial Uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: To assess wet-weather conditions, evaluated dissolved metals and hardness data collected from Ballona Creek by the LACDPW storm water program at Sawtelle Boulevard.
Temporal Representation: Samples collected 1996 to 2000.
Environmental Conditions: The storm water data were compared to the freshwater CTR values based on the actual hardness measured for each sample.
QAPP Information: Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83021
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Zinc.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for zinc is 459 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252969
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-01-21 and 2019-02-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252715
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 10
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 10 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252714
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251471
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Zinc .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for zinc is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 459 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252946
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_ING (Ballona Creek (Inglewood)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-08-20 and 2018-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253092
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-01-21 and 2019-02-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252897
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 23
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved zinc criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 120 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_01_NAT (BC_01_NAT).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-11-30 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138140, Zinc
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138122
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138122, 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260521
 
Pollutant: 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, 2,4-.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4- (2,4-D) is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 299.2 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-03-26 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138146
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA):acetic acid
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138146, 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA):acetic acid
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 263235
 
Pollutant: 2-Methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA):acetic acid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for MCPA.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA):acetic acid is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 20 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute) for MCPA EHE.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-25 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138155
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138155, Aldrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251780
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldrin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The aldrin criterion maximum concentration (expressed as a 1-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 1.5 ug/L. The criterion of 3 ug/L provided in the California Toxics Rule is an instantaneous maximum concentration and was divided by 2 in order to better represent a criterion maximum concentration (CMC) value as specified in footnote (g) of Table (b)(1) of the California Toxics Rule (2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138156
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138156, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251868
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138156, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251911
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Alkalinity as CaCO3.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA recommended alkalinity criterion continuous concentration (CCC) for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is a minimum value of 20,000 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138089
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138089, Anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138089, Anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138089, Anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138089, Anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 245280
 
Pollutant: Anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Anthracene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for anthracene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 845 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138089, Anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138091
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Antimony
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138091, Antimony
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251718
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA Quality Criteria for Water (Gold Book) states that for antimony toxicity to algae occurs at 610 ug/l. (USEPA, 1986)
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138091, Antimony
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251696
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA Quality Criteria for Water (Gold Book) states that for antimony toxicity to algae occurs at 610 ug/l. (USEPA, 1986)
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138091, Antimony
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251746
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA Quality Criteria for Water (Gold Book) states that for antimony toxicity to algae occurs at 610 ug/l. (USEPA, 1986)
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138091, Antimony
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251697
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The USEPA Quality Criteria for Water (Gold Book) states that for antimony toxicity to algae occurs at 610 ug/l. (USEPA, 1986)
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138092
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 6 samples exceeded the probable effect concentration listed in the evaluation guideline for arsenic in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 0 of 33 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criterion continuous concentration for arsenic in water and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 to protect warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251790
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 150 ug/L. The conversion factor used to convert the total fraction criterion for arsenic to dissolved fraction criterion is 1. Therefore all data was considered to be representative of the dissolved fraction. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251769
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved arsenic criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 150 ug/L. The conversion factor used to convert the total fraction criterion for arsenic to dissolved fraction criterion is 1. Therefore all data was considered to be representative of the dissolved fraction. (California Toxics Rule, 2000)
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 245640
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Arsenic .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for arsenic is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 33 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82969
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Arsenic.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for arsenic is 33 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82970
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 of the samples exceeded the criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: The 4-day Criterion Continuous Concentration for Total Arsenic in freshwater is 150 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138092, Arsenic
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138171
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Azoxystrobin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138171, Azoxystrobin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 257860
 
Pollutant: Azoxystrobin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Azoxystrobin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for Azoxystrobin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 44 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
151120
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Benthic Community Effects are being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.9 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.9, additional lines of evidence (LOEs) associating the Benthic Community Effects decision with a water or sediment concentration of pollutants other than benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment or habitat assessment LOEs are necessary to place a water body on the 303(d) List for Benthic Community Effects.

One line(s) of evidence evaluating benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment data is/are available in the administrative record to assess this indicator. One of one benthic-macroinvertebrate samples exceed the California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) impairment threshold. However, a minimum of two benthic-macroinvertebrate samples are needed to assess listing status.

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 waterbody 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. One of one benthic-macroinvertebrate bioassessment samples had CSCI scores below 0.79. The available information is insufficient to determine whether the waterbody/pollutant combination should be placed on the 303(d) List of impaired waters at this time.
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 because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
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 151120, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 305320
 
Pollutant: Benthic-Macroinvertebrate Bioassessments
LOE Subgroup: Population/Community Degradation
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Benthic macroinvertebrate surveys
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data for 404CE0316 to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.566249641 to 0.566249641.
Data Reference: California Stream Condition Index (CSCI) Scores for the 2024 Integrated Report for Region 4.
 
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 (Rehn, 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: Samples were collected from station 404CE0316.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 7/24/2007 to 7/24/2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data were collected using Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program protocols
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138094
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138094, Benzo(a)anthracene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 245807
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)anthracene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benz(a)anthracene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for benz[a]anthrazene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1050 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138093
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in 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.

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 6 samples exceeded the probable effect concentration listed in the evaluation guideline for benzo[a]pyrene in sediment and this sample size is sufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138093, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138093, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138093, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138093, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138093, Benzo(a)pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246208
 
Pollutant: Benzo(a)pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Benzo(a)pyrene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for benzo[a]pyrene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1450 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138095
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138095, Beryllium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251700
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Beryllium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The Gold Book states that beryllium chronic toxicity to freshwater aquatic life occur at concentrations as low as 5.3 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138143
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Bromacil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138143, Bromacil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 257892
 
Pollutant: Bromacil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Bromacil.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bromacil is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6.8 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138097
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138097, Carbaryl
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258336
 
Pollutant: Carbaryl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Carbaryl.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended carbaryl criterion for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is 2.1 ug/L (4-day average).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-03-26 and 2014-03-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138168
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorantraniliprole
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138168, Chlorantraniliprole
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258372
 
Pollutant: Chlorantraniliprole
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorantraniliprole.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for chlorantraniliprole is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 3.02 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138172
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorfenapyr
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138172, Chlorfenapyr
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258394
 
Pollutant: Chlorfenapyr
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorfenapyr.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for chlorfenapyr is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.915 ug/L for an invertebrate (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138099
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chloride
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138099, Chloride
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251686
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138099, Chloride
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251706
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chloride.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The chloride criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 230000 ug/L (230 mg/L)(USEPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, 2006).
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138100
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138100, Chlorothalonil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258382
 
Pollutant: Chlorothalonil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorothalonil.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorothalonil is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.6 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138101
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82980
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlorpyrifos.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258407
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chlorpyrifos. Although a total of 7 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-08-28 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246899
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 4 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorpyrifos .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlorpyrifos is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.77 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138101, Chlorpyrifos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82981
 
Pollutant: Chlorpyrifos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample result was not used in the assessment because the laboratory method detection limit was above the guideline and the result was non-detect, therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: There is no chlorpyrifos evaluation guideline specific to "sediment, interstitial water" (pore water). The following evaluation guideline was used to evaluate an exceedance in water quality standards: the freshwater criterion continuous concentration to protect aquatic organisms is 0.015 ug/L (Siepmann and Finlayson 2000, with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005). 
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138160
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 6 samples exceeded the probable effect level listed in the evaluation guideline for chromium in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 0 of 32 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criterion continuous concentration for chromium in water and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 0 of 30 samples exceeded the California Toxics Rule criterion continuous concentration for hexavalent chromium in water and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
6. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251904
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 0 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (III) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is is hardness dependent as described in Table 1 of paragraph (b)(1). The value calculated when using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 180 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251883
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (III) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is is hardness dependent as described in Table 1 of paragraph (b)(1). The value calculated when using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 180 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246953
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chromium .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for chromium is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 111 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82984
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 samples exceeded the criteria of 11 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The CTR for hexavalent chromium is 11 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82983
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82982
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chromium.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for chromium is 111 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138160, Chromium
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138102
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138102, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138102, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138102, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138102, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247074
 
Pollutant: Chrysene (C1-C4)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chrysene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for chrysene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1290 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138102, Chrysene (C1-C4)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
149391
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149391, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247887
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the sum of DDD is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 28 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149391, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82996
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149391, DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82997
 
Pollutant: DDD (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDD.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDD is 28.0 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
149392
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149392, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82999
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149392, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83000
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDE.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDE is 31.3 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149392, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247988
 
Pollutant: DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the sum of DDE is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 31.3 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138106
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 5 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for diazinon in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 1 of 25 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for diazinon in water and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260187
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.10 ug/L (4 day average)(Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria for diazinon and chlorpyrifos. Administrative Report 00-3. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigations Unit, Office of Spills and Response. CA Department of Fish and Game (with minor corrections to significant figures as described in Beaulaurier et al., 2005).
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247896
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Diazinon .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al., (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2013-05-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2342
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling interval. One sample exceeded the DFG 0.16 ug/l 1-hour average guidelines generated by DFG as a fresh water hazard assessment criteria for the protection of aquatic life (LACDPW, 2003-2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan narrative Water Quality Objective for pesticides are applicable for the protection aquatic life beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Numerical Diazinon guideline used to interpret Basin Plan narrative pesticide WQO. The numeric guidelines are 0.10 ug/l 4-day average and 0.16 ug/l 1-hour average generated by DFG as a fresh water hazard assessment criteria for the protection of aquatic life. Numerical Diazinon guideline used to interpret Basin Plan narrative pesticide WQO. The numeric guideline used is 0.16 micro-grams per liter 1-hour average generated by DFG as a fresh water acute hazard assessment criterion for the protection of aquatic life (Siepman & Finlayson, 2000; Finlayson, 2004).
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two (22) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/04 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: Data Age is 1 to 4 years old. The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gage station (Stream Gage No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82899
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diazinon is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 11 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 11 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for diazinon from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82900
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Diazinon.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: There is no diazinon evaluation guideline specific to "sediment, interstitial water" (pore water). The following evaluation guideline was used to evaluate an exceedance in water quality standards: the freshwater chronic value for diazinon is 0.1 ug/L, expressed as a continuous concentration (Finlayson, 2004). 
Guideline Reference: Water quality for diazinon. Memorandum to J. Karkoski, Central Valley RWQCB. Rancho Cordova, CA: Pesticide Investigation Unit, CA Department of Fish and Game
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138106, Diazinon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138144
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Dicamba
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138144, Dicamba
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260458
 
Pollutant: Dicamba
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 11
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 11 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dicamba.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for dicamba is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 61 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute) for Dicamba acid.
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-06-25 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138107
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138107, Dichlorvos
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260340
 
Pollutant: Dichlorvos
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Dichlorvos. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for dichlorvos is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0058 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-03-06 to 2016-03-06
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138173
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Diflubenzuron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138173, Diflubenzuron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260599
 
Pollutant: Diflubenzuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Diflubenzuron. Although a total of 3 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for diflubenzuron is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.00025 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2016-11-21 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138109
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Diuron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138109, Diuron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260915
 
Pollutant: Diuron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diuron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of diuron does not exceed 1.3 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: III. Diuron. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:105-141.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-03-26 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138110
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248542
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Endrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for endrin is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 207 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2015-05-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82905
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for endrin is 207 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82906
 
Pollutant: Endrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Endrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for endrin is 207 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138110, Endrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138153
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138153, Ethalfluralin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261584
 
Pollutant: Ethalfluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethalfluralin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for ethalfluralin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.4 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2014-11-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138088
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Etofenprox
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138088, Etofenprox
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261452
 
Pollutant: Etofenprox
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ethofenprox.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for etofenprox is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.17 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138161
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82919
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82920
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Fenpropathrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al. ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248648
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 7 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fenpropathrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for fenpropathrin from Ding et al., ( 2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261340
 
Pollutant: Fenpropathrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin. Although a total of 1 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Fenpropathrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.0015 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2014-03-26 to 2014-03-26
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138161, Fenpropathrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138090
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Desulfinyl
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138090, Fipronil Desulfinyl
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261775
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Desulfinyl
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fipronil Desulfinyl.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil degradate fipronil desulfinyl is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.54 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-27 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138163
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261607
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fipronil Sulfide.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil degradate fipronil sulfide is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.83 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-27 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248405
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil Sulfide .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al., 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-05-05 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82922
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of one sample result was non-detect. It was not used in the assessment because after the laboratory method detection limit value was organic carbon normalized the result was above the guideline, therefore the result could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfide is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.16 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138163, Fipronil Sulfide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138164
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261740
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 14
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 14 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fipronil Sulfone.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil degradate fipronil sulfone is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.037 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-27 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248507
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil Sulfone .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al., 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2014-05-14 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138164, Fipronil Sulfone
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82923
 
Pollutant: Fipronil Sulfone
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of one sample result was non-detect. It was not used in the assessment because after the laboratory method detection limit value was organic carbon normalized the result was above the guideline, therefore the result could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil sulfone is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.12 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138111
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138111, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248549
 
Pollutant: Fluoranthene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fluoranthene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for fluoranthene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 2230 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138111, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138111, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138111, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138111, Fluoranthene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138112
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138112, Fluorene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248553
 
Pollutant: Fluorene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 8 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fluorene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for fluorene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) for Fluorene is 536 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138113
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138113, Heptachlor
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252185
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Heptachlor.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The heptachlor criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0038 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138114
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138114, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252274
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Heptachlor Epoxide.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The heptachlor epoxide criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0038 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138174
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Indoxacarb
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138174, Indoxacarb
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 262389
 
Pollutant: Indoxacarb
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Indoxacarb.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for indoxacarb is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 75 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138115
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Iron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138115, Iron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252521
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations are intended protect freshwater aquatic organisms from chronic exposures and are expressed as 4-day average concentrations. The evaluation guideline for Iron is 1,000 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138115, Iron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252463
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations are intended protect freshwater aquatic organisms from chronic exposures and are expressed as 4-day average concentrations. The evaluation guideline for Iron is 1,000 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138115, Iron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252444
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations are intended protect freshwater aquatic organisms from chronic exposures and are expressed as 4-day average concentrations. The evaluation guideline for Iron is 1,000 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138115, Iron
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252052
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations are intended protect freshwater aquatic organisms from chronic exposures and are expressed as 4-day average concentrations. The evaluation guideline for Iron is 1,000 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138175
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Isoxaben
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138175, Isoxaben
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 262655
 
Pollutant: Isoxaben
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Isoxaben.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for isoxaben is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 10 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138117
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252164
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for HCH, gamma-.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The gamma-BHC (Lindane, gamma-HCH) criterion maximum concentration to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.95 ug/L. (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248595
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 2 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for HCH, gamma-. Although a total of 4 samples were collected, 2 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the objective and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lindane is the probable effect concentration (PEC) for Lindane is 4.99 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2015-05-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82935
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for HCH, gamma.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Lindane (gamma-HCH) is 4.99 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82934
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for HCH, gamma.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for Lindane (gamma-HCH) is 4.99 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138117, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138118
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Malathion
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138118, Malathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 263024
 
Pollutant: Malathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Malathion. Although a total of 7 samples were collected, 3 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of malathion does not exceed 0.028 ug/L (UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria).
Guideline Reference: Aquatic life water quality criteria derived via the UC Davis method: l. Organophosphate insecticides. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 216:1-48.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-08-28 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
149390
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Mercury
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

3 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 29 samples exceeded the criteria for mercury in water.
0 of 3 sample exceeded the criteria for mercury in water.
0 of 6 exceeded the guideline for mercury in sediment

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 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. 0 of 28 and 0 of 3 sample exceeded the criteria and 0 of 6 exceeded the guideline and this does not exceed 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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149390, Mercury
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252418
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentration (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-04 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149390, Mercury
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252438
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentration (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to total mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Current as of 08/03/2016.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149390, Mercury
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 249519
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Mercury .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for mercury is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1.06 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2020-06-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149390, Mercury
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82940
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 28
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 28 samples exceeded the water quality threshold. Two non-detect samples had reporting limits greater than the criteria, therefore were not used in this assessment.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria Continuous Concentrations (4-day average concentrations) for freshwater aquatic organisms exposure to elemental mercury is 0.77 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Office of Science and Technology
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149390, Mercury
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82936
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Mercury.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for mercury is 1.06 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138119
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250485
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 2 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Parathion, Methyl .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al., (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2012-05-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82941
 
Pollutant: Methyl Parathion
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Parathion, Methyl.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for methyl parathion is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 6 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 6 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for methyl parathion from Ding et al. (2011).
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138119, Methyl Parathion
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138120
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138120, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138120, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138120, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 249935
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Naphthalene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for naphthalene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 561 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138120, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138120, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138121
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under sections 3.1 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. 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 2 samples exceeded the criteria.
0 of the 52 samples exceeded the criteria.
0 of the 1 samples exceeded the criteria.
0 of the 6 samples exceed the guideline

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 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. 0 of the 52 and 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criteria and 0 of the 6 samples exceed the guideline and this does not exceed 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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250075
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Nickel .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for nickel is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 48.6 mg/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252582
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved nickel criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 52 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82942
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Nickel.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for nickel is 48.6 mg/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2341
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling interval. Total hardness samples collected in the water body when the Nickel samples were taken ranged from 52 to 530 mg/l. None of the samples exceeded the CTR - CCC criteria for Dissolved Nickel (LACDPW, 2003-2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Freshwater CTR aquatic life criteria for dissolved fraction of nickel is expressed as a function of total hardness (mg/l) in the water body. The Criteria Continuous Concentration (CCC) equals the highest concentration of a pollutant to which aquatic life can be exposed for an extended period of time (4days) without deleterious effects.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two (22) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/04 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: Data Age is 1 to 4 years old. The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gage station (Stream Gage No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252583
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved nickel criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated using a default hardness of 100 mg/L is 52 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138121, Nickel
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82943
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 30
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 30 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted water quality criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: 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: California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The criterion in freshwater is hardness dependent for each sample and varies based on the ambient hardness during sampling. Section (b)(1) in CTR contains the hardness dependent formula for the metals criterion. If no hardness data were available, a value of 100 mg/L was used.
Guideline Reference: Code of Federal Regulations 40 part 131.38 Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California. 7/1/2011 Edition
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Blvd (sample station S01).
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected in 2009-2010 from dry weather events No. 12 and 28 and from wet weather events No. 13 and 19. Samples were collected in 2008-2009 from dry weather events No. 15 and 30 and from wet weather events No. 3 and 21. Samples were collected in 2007 - 2008 from dry weather events No. 27 and 47 and from wet weather events No. 21 and 30. Samples were collected in 2006 - 2007 from dry weather events on 11/1/2006 and 4/2/2007 and from wet weather events 12/9/2006 and 2/10/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Samples from two storm events(including the first storm of each year) and two dry weather events every year. Water are near an estuary so could be considered fresh or saline. Both types of species were used to test toxicity.
QAPP Information: Data were collected in accordance with NPDES permit No. CAS004001, Order No. 01-182.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
149330
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
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: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149330, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 302508
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-34) states that: Waters shall not exceed 10 mg/L nitrogen as nitrate-nitrogen plus nitrite-nitrogen (NO3-N + NO2-N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
149396
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149396, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 302551
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-34) states that: Waters shall not exceed 10 mg/L as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149396, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 302541
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-34) states that: Waters shall not exceed 10 mg/L as nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138147
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Norflurazon
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138147, Norflurazon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264154
 
Pollutant: Norflurazon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Norflurazon.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for norflurazon is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 9.7 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138123
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Oil and Grease
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138123, Oil and Grease
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252757
 
Pollutant: Oil and Grease
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for OilandGrease; HEM.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall not contain oils, greases, waxes or other materials in concentrations that result in a visible film or coating on the surface of the water or on objects in the water, that cause nuisance, or that otherwise adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: According to the USEPA Quality Criteria for Water (Gold Book), concentrations of oil at 0.001 mg/L can harm aquatic life. (USEPA, 1986)
Guideline Reference: Quality Criteria for Water 1986. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Office of Water. Regulations and Standards. Washington D.C. EPA 440/5-86-001.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138124
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138124, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264136
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from the additive effects of the organophosphate pesticides chlorpyrifos and diazinon is one toxic unit equivalent. A toxic unit equivalent is equal to the sum of chlorpyrifos and diazinon from a single sample, each having their reported concentration divided their respective evaluation guideline prior to being summed. If this results in a value greater than one, the sample is considered to be in exceedance of the water quality standard. (Bailey et al., 1997).
Guideline Reference: Joint acute toxicity of Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos to Ceriodaphnia dubia.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138148
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138148, Oryzalin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264360
 
Pollutant: Oryzalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oryzalin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for oryzalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 13 ug/L for a vascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138125
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxadiazon
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138125, Oxadiazon
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264120
 
Pollutant: Oxadiazon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxadiazon.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for Oxadiazon is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.88 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138151
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138151, Oxyfluorfen
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264237
 
Pollutant: Oxyfluorfen
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxyfluorfen.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of oxyfluorfen does not exceed 0.14 ug/L (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water quality criteria report for Oxyfluorfen. Phase III: application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2014-11-01
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
151852
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151852, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 308192
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-39) 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: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-05-05 and 2020-06-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
149395
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149395, PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250064
 
Pollutant: PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 8 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for total PAHs is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 22800 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138154
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138154, Pendimethalin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264612
 
Pollutant: Pendimethalin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pendimethalin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for pendimethalin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 5.2 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-03-26 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138127
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138127, Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253022
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pentachlorophenol.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pentachlorophenol criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is pH dependent. The criterion using a default pH value of 7.8 (when pH data is not present) is 15 ug/L. (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-18 and 2016-02-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138129
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138129, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250808
 
Pollutant: Phenanthrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Phenanthrene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for phenanthrene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1170 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al.).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138129, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138129, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138129, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138129, Phenanthrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138165
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Prodiamine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138165, Prodiamine
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265677
 
Pollutant: Prodiamine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Prodiamine.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for prodiamine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.5 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138131
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Prometon (Prometone)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138131, Prometon (Prometone)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265694
 
Pollutant: Prometon (Prometone)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Prometon.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for prometon (prometone) is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 98 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138166
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138166, Propiconazole
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265513
 
Pollutant: Propiconazole
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Propiconazole.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for Propiconazole is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 15 ug/L for a fish (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138170
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Pyraclostrobin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138170, Pyraclostrobin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265534
 
Pollutant: Pyraclostrobin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pyraclostrobin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for pyraclostrobin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 1.5 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138132
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138132, Pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250999
 
Pollutant: Pyrene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 6 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrene .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The evaluation guideline for pyrene is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1520 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2012-05-15 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138132, Pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138132, Pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138132, Pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138132, Pyrene
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138135
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Simazine
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138135, Simazine
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 266520
 
Pollutant: Simazine
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Simazine.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for simazine is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 6 ug/L for a nonvascular plant (acute).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138136
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138136, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 266932
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 4 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (page 3-45) states that: For waters designated WARM, water temperature shall not be altered by more than 5 °F above the natural temperature. At no time shall these WARM-designated waters be raised above 80 °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 1 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138152
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Triclopyr
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138152, Triclopyr
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 267789
 
Pollutant: Triclopyr
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Triclopyr.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for triclopyr is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 26 ug/L for a fish (chronic) for Triclopyr Butoxyethyl Ester (BEE).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-03-26 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138169
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Trifloxystrobin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138169, Trifloxystrobin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 267793
 
Pollutant: Trifloxystrobin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifloxystrobin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The evaluation guideline for trifloxystrobin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 2.76 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-11-21 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138138
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138138, Trifluralin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 267812
 
Pollutant: Trifluralin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trifluralin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of trifluralin does not exceed 0.33 ug/L (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Trifluralin Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-08-28 and 2015-06-03
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138139
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138139, Turbidity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252853
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138139, Turbidity
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252814
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: Waters shall be free of changes in turbidity that cause nuisance or adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Turbidities of 40 NTU or greater can cause a reduced foraging efficiency and a shift in prey selection in piscivorous fish (largemouth bass) due to interference with their ability to find prey (Shoup, D.E. and Wahl D.H., 2009).
Guideline Reference: The Effects of Turbidity on Prey Selection by Piscivorous Largemouth Bass
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2016-07-28
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138105
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138105, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252315
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan I.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The endosulfan I (alpha-endosulfan) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.056 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138126
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: Insufficient information is available to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. Beneficial use support will be reassessed in a future cycle, if more data are available.
 
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 the available data and information, SWRCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because it cannot be determined if applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138126, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252359
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The endosulfan II (beta-endosulfan) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.056 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2015-12-13
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
153900
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: During the 2024 cycle, the 1988 National Recommended Water Quality Criteria used to assess aluminum data was replaced with U.S. EPA’s 2018 Final Recommended Aquatic Life Criteria for Aluminum in Freshwater.

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.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. 14 of 22 samples exceed the aluminum criteria listed in the evaluation guideline in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy for warm freshwater habitat.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

LOEs 82956 have been replaced by LOEs 315066, respectively, due to a reassessment of data using the 2018 USEPA aluminum criteria.
 
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153900, Aluminum
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 315067
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 20
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Los Angeles County Flood Control District_2010 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 13 of 20 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-10-31 and 2010-03-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was previously assessed without a QAPP. Data reassessed without a QAPP for consistency.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153900, Aluminum
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 314843
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-07-29 and 2015-12-14
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153900, Aluminum
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 314825
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-12-13 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 153900, Aluminum
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 315066
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 19
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Los Angeles County Flood Control District_2010 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 19 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aluminum.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Los Angeles County Flood Control District, 2006-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The aluminum criterion for the protection of aquatic life, is pH, total hardness, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) dependent. When total hardness or DOC data were not available, default values based on the level III ecoregions developed by U.S EPA were substituted (EPA, 2018). When pH data were not available, the median pH value for the ecoregion, a pH value from a comparable waterbody, or a pH value from a local study in the same waterbody was used as a comparable surrogate.
Guideline Reference: Final Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Aluminum. EPA-822-R-18-001. Washington, D.C.: Office of Water, USEPA.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: S01 (Ballona Creek @ Sawtelle Boulevard mass emission station).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2006-10-31 and 2010-03-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Data was previously assessed without a QAPP. Data reassessed without a QAPP for consistency.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder for previously assessed data that does not have quality assurance information but would require it under newly developed policies. These LOEs were previously assessed and approved at the Regional, State and Federal level in past cycles. The LOEs needed to be moved and/or reassessed but required this reference code for movement within the decision making database.
 
 
DECISION ID
138149
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. 9 of 10 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for bifenthrin in sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 9 of 10 samples exceeded the chronic criteria for fipronil listed in the evaluation guideline for bifenthrin in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82974
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 258126
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 13 of the 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Bifenthrin. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 1 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic criterion for bifenthrin is 0.1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of bifenthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Bifenthrin
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246166
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 8 of the 8 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Bifenthrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin (Amweg et al., 2005 and Amweg and Weston, 2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138149, Bifenthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82972
 
Pollutant: Bifenthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Bifenthrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for bifenthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.43 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.43 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for bifenthrin from Amweg et al. (2005) and Amweg and Weston (2007).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138098
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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. This pollutant is also being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

5 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 0 samples exceed the criteria.
2 of 3 samples exceed the criteria.
5 of 7 samples exceed the criteria for chlordane in sediment.
0 of 0 samples exhibit sediment toxicity.
10 of 10 samples exhibit sediment toxicity.

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. 0 of 0 and 2 of 3 samples exceed the criteria for chlordane in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 5 of 7 samples exceed the criteria for chlordane and sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. There is associated sediment toxicity 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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2372
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: To assess potential impairments associated with contaminant concentrations in fish and shellfish tissue, summary information that formed the basis for the 1998 303(d) list was reviewed. Tissue data used in the assessment were from the State Mussel Watch Program in the mid-1980s and data collected as part of the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) in 1993. A review of the original data sets revealed that both sets of data were from locations in Ballona Creek Estuary. There are no data on fish tissue or mussel tissue for Ballona Creek. Consequently the Ballona Creek listing for this pollutant in tissue was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82978
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 1 of 1 samples collected exceeded the criteria for chlordane concentration (Sum of trans-Chlordane, cis-Chlordane, cis-Nonachlor, trans-Nonachlor, and Oxychlordane).
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: All waters shall be maintained free of toxic substances in concentrations that produce detrimental physiological responses in human, plant, animal, or aquatic life. Waters shall not contain substances in concentrations that result in the deposition of material that causes nuisance or adversely affects beneficial uses. (Water Quality Control Plan for the Coastal Watersheds of Los Angeles And Ventura Counties).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The Probable Effect Concentration for Chlordane in freshwater sediments is 17.6 ug/kg(MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected at the following station 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected on 5/20/2008.
Environmental Conditions:
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 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82977
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Chlordane, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for chlordane is 17.6 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 253011
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Total Chlordane.
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The chlordane criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0043 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-11-22 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 246550
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 4 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlordane .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for chlordane is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 17.6 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138098, Chlordane
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138157
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 3 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 7 of 7 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 259266
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 7 of the 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyfluthrin. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 7 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic criterion for cyfluthrin is 0.2 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of cyfluthrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cyfluthrin
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247465
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 7 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyfluthrin, total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin (Amweg et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82991
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138157, Cyfluthrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82990
 
Pollutant: Cyfluthrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cyfluthrin, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cyfluthrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.1 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.1 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cyfluthrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138159
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 9 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Lambda in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 0 of 0 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 5 of 5 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Lambda in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82992
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82993
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cyhalothrin, lambda, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247716
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 7 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cyhalothrin, Total lambda- .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for lambda-cyhalothrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.44 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.44 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for lambda-cyhalothrin (Amweg et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2018-05-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138159, Cyhalothrin, Lambda
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 262741
 
Pollutant: Cyhalothrin, Lambda
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 5 of the 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lambda-cyhalothrin. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 9 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: 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: The chronic criterion for lambda-cyhalothrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Lambda-cyhalothrin
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138150
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown | Agriculture
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. 6 of 9 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for cypermethrin in sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat. There is an associated sediment toxicity data as required by Section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 7 of 7 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for cypermethrin in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82995
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82994
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Cypermethrin, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al. (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 259247
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cypermethrin. Although a total of 10 samples were collected, 7 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic criterion for cypermethrin is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of cypermethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Cypermethrin
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247881
 
Pollutant: Cypermethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 6 of the 7 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Cypermethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for cypermethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.3 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.3 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for cypermethrin from Maund et al., (2002).
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138150, Cypermethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
149393
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 for pollutants in water and under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy for pollutants in sediment. Under section 3.1, a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in 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.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification for removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the 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 0 and 2 of 2 samples exceeded the criteria for DDT in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 1 of 6 samples exceeded the guideline for DDT in sediment and this is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using Table 3.1. While the sediment displays toxicity, it cannot be associated with this pollutant.
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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83016
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 251260
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 5 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for total DDTs is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 572 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83017
 
Pollutant: Total DDT (sum of 4,4'- and 2,4'- isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDT, Total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for total DDTs is 572 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 252195
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 2
Number of Exceedances: 2
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 2 of 2 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for DDT(p,p').
Data Reference: WQ data from the MS4 database assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The DDT(4,4') criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.001 ug/L (California Toxics Rule, 2000).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Standards 2000. Establishment of numeric criteria for priority toxic pollutants for the State of California: Rules and regulations. Federal Register Vol. 65, No. 97. Washington, D.C.: Environmental Protection Agency
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: BC_02_SAW (Ballona Creek (Sawtelle Blvd)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-17 and 2016-07-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247996
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 4 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the sum of DDT is the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 62.9 ug/kg dry weight (MacDonald et al., 2000a).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2015-05-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83001
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83002
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for DDT.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: In freshwater sediments the probable effect concentration (predictive of sediment toxicity for sediment-dwelling organisms) for sum of DDT is 62.9 ug/Kg dry weight (MacDonald et al. 2000).
Guideline Reference: Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems. Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 39: 20-31
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2371
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: To assess potential impairments associated with contaminant concentrations in fish and shellfish tissue, summary information that formed the basis for the 1998 303(d) list was reviewed. Tissue data used in the assessment were from the State Mussel Watch Program in the mid-1980s and data collected as part of the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) in 1993. A review of the original data sets revealed that both sets of data were from locations in Ballona Creek Estuary. There are no data on fish tissue or mussel tissue for Ballona Creek. Consequently the Ballona Creek listing for this pollutant in tissue was made in error (SWAMP, 2004).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: 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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149393, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138158
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 3 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for deltamethrin in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 4 of 4 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for deltamethrin in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83003
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82898
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Deltamethrin.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 260079
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 4 of the 4 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Deltamethrin. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 10 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the USEPA Aquatic Life Benchmark of 0.000026 ug/L for an invertebrate (chronic).
Guideline Reference: OPP Aquatic Life Benchmarks
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138158, Deltamethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 247798
 
Pollutant: Deltamethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 4
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 4 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Deltamethrin .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for deltamethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.79 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 0.79 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for deltamethrin (Amweg et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
138162
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 5 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 3 of 3 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82907
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248726
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate (Amweg et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2015-05-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261297
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 3 of the 3 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Esfenvalerate. Although a total of 13 samples were collected, 10 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic criterion for esfenvalerate is 0.3 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of esfenvalerate were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Esfenvalerate
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-03-26 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138162, Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82908
 
Pollutant: Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Esfenvalerate/Fenvalerate, total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.5 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 1.5 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for esfenvalerate/fenvalerate from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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)
 
 
DECISION ID
138142
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in 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.

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 3 samples exceeded the probable effect level listed in the evaluation guideline for chrysene in sediment and this sample size is sufficient to determine beneficial use support for estuarine habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 7 of 7 samples exceeded the aquatic life criteria listed in evaluation guideline for fipronil in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 82921
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One of one sample result was non-detect. It was not used in the assessment because after the laboratory method detection limit value was organic carbon normalized the result was above the guideline, therefore the result could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al. 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek @ Centinela station (404SUP093).]
Temporal Representation: Data was collected on a single day 1/3/2007.
Environmental Conditions: Staff is not aware of any special conditions that might affect interpretation of the data.
QAPP Information: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 248404
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 3
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 3 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Fipronil .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for fipronil is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 0.13 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample (Maul et al., 2008).
Guideline Reference: Effect of sediment-associated pyrethroids, fipronil, and metabolites on Chironomus tentans growth rate, body mass, condition index, immobilization, and survival. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 27(12):2582-2590.
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2015-05-05 to 2017-05-16
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 261805
 
Pollutant: Fipronil
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 7 of the 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Fipronil. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 7 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the four-day average concentration of fipronil does not exceed 0.0032 ug/L (3.2 ng/L) in the water column more than once every three years on average (Bower, et al. 2017).
Guideline Reference: Water and Sediment Quality Criteria Report for Fipronil. Phase III: Application of the pesticide water and sediment quality criteria methodologies. Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis.
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138142, Fipronil
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138145
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. 8 of 8 samples exceed the aquatic life criteria listed in the evaluation guideline for Imidacloprid in sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 5 samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit were above water quality thresholds and could not be quantified.
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138145, Imidacloprid
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 262364
 
Pollutant: Imidacloprid
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 8 of the 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Imidacloprid. Although a total of 13 samples were collected, 5 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: UC Davis Aquatic Life Criteria: Aquatic life should not be affected unacceptably if the 4-day average concentration of imidacloprid does not exceed 0.016 ug/L.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Imidacloprid Phase III: Application of the pesticide water quality criteria methodology. Department of Environmental Toxicology. University of California, Davis
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-03-26 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
 
DECISION ID
138167
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
Final Listing Decision: 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)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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 and 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in water. Under section 3.6 at least two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status for pollutants in sediment, and pollutant concentrations in sediment must be associated with sediment toxicity to justify adding that pollutant to the CWA section 303(d) List.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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 3 samples exceeded the median lethal concentration (LC50) listed in the evaluation guideline for permethrin in sediment and this sample size is insufficient to determine beneficial use support for warm freshwater habitat, 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. 10 of 10 samples exhibited sediment toxicity.
4. 7 of 7 samples exceeded the chronic criteria listed in evaluation guideline for permethrin in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 for warm freshwater habitat.
5. 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250540
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 0 of the 8 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Permethrin, Total .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin (Amweg et al., 2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 264821
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 7 of the 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Permethrin. Although a total of 14 samples were collected, 7 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The chronic criterion for permethrin is 1 ng/L (expressed as a 4-day average).  If the freely dissolved concentrations of permethrin were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Water Quality Criteria Report for Permethrin
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site (404SUP093).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83012
 
Pollutant: Permethrin
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceed the criterion for Permethrin, Total.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region (LARWQCB 2004): 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. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for permethrin is the median lethal concentration (LC50) of 8.9 ug/g and is normalized by the percentage of organic carbon in the sediment sample. The LC50 8.9 ug/g is the geometric mean of LC50 values for permethrin from Amweg et al. (2005).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
 
Spatial Representation: Data for this line of evidence for Ballona Creek was collected at 1 monitoring site [ Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) station (404BLNAxx).]
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: SWAMP data collected before September 2008 followed the QAMP (2002).
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 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138167, Permethrin
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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
138141
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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. This pollutant is also being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 two lines of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

6 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 0 samples exceed the guideline.
13 of 13 samples exceed the guideline.
7 of 7 samples exceed the guideline.
8 of 8 samples exceed the criteria for pyrethroids in sediment.
0 of 0 samples exhibit sediment toxicity.
10 of 10 samples exhibit sediment toxicity.

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. 0 of 0, 13 of 13 and 7 of 7 samples exceed the guideline for pyrethroids in water and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. 8 of 8 samples exceed the criteria for pyrethroids in sediment and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. There is associated sediment toxicity 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 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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265492
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 13
Number of Exceedances: 13
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 13 of 13 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pyrethroids.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The summed ratios of the pyrethroid pesticides bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and their respective chronic concentration goals are not to exceed 1. If the freely dissolved concentrations of these pesticides were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-27 and 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 266011
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 7
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 7 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pyrethroids.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The summed ratios of the pyrethroid pesticides bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and their respective chronic concentration goals are not to exceed 1. If the freely dissolved concentrations of these pesticides were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-02-27 and 2017-02-18
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265656
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed Surface Water Monitoring Project data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids. Although a total of 11 samples were collected, 11 of these samples were not included in the assessment because the laboratory data reporting limit(s) was above the water quality threshold and therefore the results could not be quantified with the level of certainty required by the Listing Policy Section 6.1.5.5.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region states that: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The summed ratios of the pyrethroid pesticides bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, cypermethrin, esfenvalerate, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin and their respective chronic concentration goals are not to exceed 1. If the freely dissolved concentrations of these pesticides were reported or could be calculated then these values were used for this assessment.  In the absence of freely dissolved concentrations, total concentrations were used.
Guideline Reference: Amendment to the Water Quality Control Plan for the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River Basins for the Control of Pyrethroid Pesticide Discharges
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404SUP093 (Ballona Creek @ Centinela).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2014-02-27 to 2017-06-21
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Department of Pesticide Regulation Environmental Monitoring Branch Surface Water Protection Program. 2018. STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern.
QAPP Information Reference(s): STUDY 270: Ambient Surface Water and Mitigation Monitoring in Urban Areas in Southern
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 250918
 
Pollutant: Pyrethroids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Sediment
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 8 of the 8 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Pyrethroids .
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no increase in pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The evaluation guideline for the protection of aquatic life from pyrethroids is one toxic unit. Individual pyrethroid concentrations in sediment were normalized to organic carbon content, divided by the respective LC50 and then summed. A sum over over one toxic unit is an exceedance of the evaluation guideline (Amweg et al. 2006).
Guideline Reference: Use and Toxicity of Pyrethroid Pesticides in the Central Valley, California, USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 24:966-972, with erratum 24:No. 5
Guideline Reference: Partitioning, bioavailability, and toxicity of the pyrethroid insecticide cypermethrin in sediments. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 21:9-15
Guideline Reference: Toxicity of Sediment-Associated Pesticides to Chironomus dilutus and Hyalella azteca. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 61:83¿92.
Guideline Reference: Whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluation tools for pyrethroid insecticides: I. piperonyl butoxide addition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 26:2389-2396.
Guideline Reference: Compilation of freshwater OC-normalized sediment toxicity data for pyrethroids
Guideline Reference: Pyrethroid insecticides and sediment toxicity in urban creeks from California and Tennessee. Environmental Science and Technology, 40(5): 1700-1706
 
Spatial Representation: Data were collected from 1 station(s). Station Code(s): 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-05-26 to 2019-05-30
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83020
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Project Urban Pyrethroid Status Monitoring
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404SUP093.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in January 2007.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 244350
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 8
Number of Exceedances: 8
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 8 of the 8 samples collected by SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends for Ballona Creek exhibited toxicity. A sample may have multiple toxicity test results, but will only be counted once. A sample is defined as being collected on the same day and the same location. The following organisms and parameters were utilized for the toxicity tests: Chironomus dilutus for Survival, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv), Hyalella azteca for Survival, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv). The following tests exhibited toxicity: Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2013-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2014-05-14, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2015-05-05, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2016-06-01, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2017-05-16, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2018-05-22, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Growth (wt/surv indiv) on 2019-05-30, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2019-05-30, Hyalella azteca for Survival on 2020-06-09, Chironomus dilutus for Survival on 2020-06-09.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: 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: The sample is toxic when the response of the organisms exposed to the sample is significantly different (worse) than the response of the organisms exposed to the laboratory control based on statistical hypothesis testing.  An exceedance is counted when the significant effect code is “Significant; Less Similarity,” which means that the sample result is significantly different than the control result, and the percent effect is greater than the evaluation threshold.  The default evaluation threshold is 20% unless otherwise stated.
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 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx ( Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella) ).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-05-14 and 2020-06-09.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2368
 
Pollutant: Sediment Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Narrative Description Data
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: The water body was originally listed in error. There is a discrepancy in the nomenclature used to define Ballona Creek and the Estuary. In the Basin Plan, the transition between Creek and Estuary is at Centinela Blvd. Ballona Creek (above Centinela) is concrete-lined. Ballona Creek estuary (below Centinela) is soft-bottomed. In 1998, samples were inadvertently attributed to Ballona Creek but were actually collected from Ballona Creek Estuary. Sediment data used in the 1998 list appear to have been collected from soft-bottomed estuary sediments as opposed to the concrete-lined channel. Therefore, the listing for this pollutant in Ballona Creek was made in error.
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):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138141, Pyrethroids
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 83019
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Toxicity
Matrix: Sediment
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: TOXICITY TESTING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: One sample was collected to evaluate sediment toxicity. The sample exhibited significant toxicity. The toxicity test included survival of Hyalella azteca. One sample can have multiple toxicity test results but will be counted only once.
Data Reference: Statewide Stream Pollution Trends Study 2008
 
SWAMP Data: 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. Region 4 Basin Plan.
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. For SWAMP data exceedances are counted with the significant effect code SL. SL is defined as the result being significant compared to the negative control based on a statistical test, less than stated the alpha level, AND less than the evaluation threshold.
Guideline Reference: Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates, Second Edition. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development, Duluth, MI , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, Washington, DC EPA-600/R-99/064
 
Spatial Representation: The sample was collected at station 404BLNAxx.
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected in May 2008.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All data was collected following the Standard Operating Procedures and Data Quality Objectives outlined in the SWAMP QAMP, (Puckett, 2002). QA data are included in submission.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138128
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2037
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.

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

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification 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. 15 of 68 samples exceed the Basin Plan water quality objective for pH and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy for warm freshwater habitat.
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:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138128, pH
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2343
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 22
Number of Exceedances: 4
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 22 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at one to two-week sampling interval. Four (4) samples exceeded the Basin Plan WQO (LACDPW, 2004c; 2004d).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan WQO for inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waster discharges to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Twenty-two samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 4/30/03 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: Data 1-5 years old, environmental data measured at site, samples collected during multiple seasons. The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gage station (Stream Gage No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program (Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138128, pH
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2344
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 40
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Five of 40 samples exceeded the water quality objective (SWRCB, 2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Basin Plan WQO for inland surface waters shall not be depressed below 6.5 or raised above 8.5 as a result of waster discharges to protect aquatic life BUs.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One site.
Temporal Representation: Fall and spring.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Los Angeles County Stormwater Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138128, pH
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 265362
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 6
Number of Exceedances: 6
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed SWAMP Stream Pollution Trends data for Ballona Creek to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 6 of 6 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: Field, Habitat, Toxicity, WQ data from the California Environmental Data Exchange Network assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Water Quality Control Plan, Los Angeles Basin: the pH for inland 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: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 404BLNAxx (Ballona Creek Downstream of Sawtelle (Centinella)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2014-05-14 and 2020-06-09
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: SWRCB. 2018. This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
QAPP Information Reference(s): This is a placeholder reference for data that was collected after QAPP requirements were developed, but exempt from the requirements.
 
 
DECISION ID
68527
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: ChemA
Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Reason for Delisting: Flaws in original listing
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for delisting under section 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under this section of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of removing this water segment-pollutant combination from the Water Quality Limited Segments 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. This water body was originally listed in error as the samples used to place it on the list in 1998 were not from this water body. Based on this data, it appears that this water body should never have been on the 303(d) list for this pollutant.
4. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are met.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
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 68527, ChemA
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2370
 
Pollutant: ChemA
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Tissue
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Commercial or recreational collection of fish, shellfish, or organisms
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: To assess potential impairments associated with contaminant concentrations in fish and shellfish tissue, summary information that formed the basis for the 1998 303(d) list was reviewed. Tissue data used in the assessment were from the State Mussel Watch Program in the mid-1980s and data collected as part of the Toxic Substances Monitoring Program (TSMP) in 1993. A review of the original data sets revealed that both sets of data were from locations in Ballona Creek Estuary. There are no data on fish tissue or mussel tissue for Ballona Creek. Consequently the Ballona Creek listing for this pollutant in tissue was made in error.
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
68272
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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 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.

One line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant. None of the samples exceed the water quality 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 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. None of the 16 samples exceeded the ammonia one-hour average WQO. It was not possible to determine any exceedances of the 30-day average WQO since temperature data was not provided. The available data does not exceed 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: 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.
 
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 68272, Ammonia
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2340
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 16
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 16 samples taken from 10/12/00 to 1/28/02 at one to two-week sampling interval. No sample exceeded the one-hour average WQO. It was not possible to determine any exceedances of the 30-day average WQO since temperature data was not provided (LACDPW, 2002-2003).
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: One hour average Basin Plan Water Quality Objectives revised in 2002 for freshwaters not designated COLD and or MIGR is dependent on pH and fish species, but not temperature. WQO ranged between 10.1mg/l at a pH of 7.9 and 48.8 mg/l at a pH of 6.5. The 30-day average WQO for waters not designated for spawning are dependent on pH and temperature. These WQOs have been adopted into the basin plan and are linked and applicable to protection of aquatic life beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: One sample site sampled during the dry and wet season beginning from 10/12/00 through 1/28/02 at approximately one to two week intervals.
Temporal Representation: Sixteen (16) samples where taken during the wet and dry season from 10/12/00 to 1/28/02 at approximately one to two week intervals as part of the Los Angeles County Storm water monitoring program prepared by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
Environmental Conditions: Data Age is 3 to 4 years old. The Ballona Creek monitoring station is located at the existing stream gage station (Stream Gage No. F38C-R) between Sawtelle Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard in the City of Los Angeles. At this location, which was chosen to avoid tidal influences, the upstream tributary watershed of Ballona Creek is 88.8 square miles. The entire Ballona Creek Watershed is 127.1 square miles. At the gauging station, Ballona Creek is a concrete lined trapezoidal channel.
QAPP Information: Evaluation of Analytes and QA/QC Specifications for Monitoring Program
(Woodward-Clyde, 1996) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
68083
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Trash
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: Ballona Creek Trash (51)
TMDL Project Code: 608
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 01/01/2001
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for listing under sections 2.2 and 3.11 of the Listing Policy. Under these sections of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed to assess listing status.

The Ballona Creek Trash TMDL was approved by the RWQCB in 2001 and subsequently approved by USEPA.

This water segment-pollutant combination was moved off the section 303(d) list during the 2002 listing cycle only because a TMDL had been completed. No substantial evidence in the record shows that standards are met.

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.
 
Regional Board 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.
 
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 68083, Trash
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2365
 
Pollutant: Trash
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Nuisance
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: 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
69253
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
Pollutant: Viruses (enteric)
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: Nonpoint Source | Point Source
TMDL Name: Ballona Creek Coliform (49)
TMDL Project Code: 393
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/26/2007
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board 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.

A TMDL has been developed and approved by USEPA and an approved implementation plan is expected to result in attainment of the standard. While many of the TMDL implementation measures will address both impairments due to fecal indicator bacteria and enteric viruses, some types of treatment measures (e.g. disinfection) may not adequately address enteric viruses. New standards for enteric viruses are being developed and when they become available, the Regional Board will reconsider the TMDL to incorporate these new standards and will work with responsible agencies to revise the implementation measures as necessary to ensure that these new standards are achieved in the water body.

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 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.
 
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 69253, Viruses (enteric)
Region 4     
Ballona Creek
 
LOE ID: 2375
 
Pollutant: Viruses (enteric)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Not Specified
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 0
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecifiec--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):