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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Sepulveda Canyon
Water Body ID: CAR4051300019980918144753
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
138178
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
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: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by 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: 10/29/2008
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 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed 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 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. 14 of 32, 0 of 0, and 5 of 5 samples exceeded the criteria and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 10/29/2008.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

In previous versions of this listing, the TMDL addressing the impairment was erroneously described as the TMDL for Metals in the Los Angeles River and Tributaries.
 
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 138178, Copper
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252189
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 14
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 14 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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 138178, Copper
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252190
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 LA County MS4 data for Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-20 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 138178, Copper
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 2380
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
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: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a listing decision made by USEPA for 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
150334
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
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: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Nonpoint Source
TMDL Name: Ballona Creek Coliform (49)
TMDL Project Code: 393
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 04/27/2007
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.

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. 122 of 122 samples exceeded the geometric mean for E. coli and 52 of 53 samples exceeded the statistical threshold value 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 April 27, 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 150334, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 2379
 
Pollutant: Indicator Bacteria
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: 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 150334, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 303121
 
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 Sepulveda Canyon 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): SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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 150334, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 303061
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: GeoMean
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 122
Number of Exceedances: 122
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 122 of the 122 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): SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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
138179
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
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: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: Nonpoint Source
TMDL Name: Ballona Creek Metals (57)
TMDL Project Code: 396
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 10/29/2008
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 4.1 of the Policy, a minimum of one line of evidence is needed 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 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. 0 of 5, 0 of 0, and 7 of 17 samples exceeded the criteria and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 10/29/2008.
5. Pursuant to section 4.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.

In previous versions of this listing, the TMDL addressing the impairment was erroneously described as the TMDL for Metals in the Los Angeles River and Tributaries.
 
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 138179, Lead
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 2381
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
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: 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 138179, Lead
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252669
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 17
Number of Exceedances: 7
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 7 of 17 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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 138179, Lead
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252650
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-02-17 and 2019-01-05
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138180
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
Pollutant: Selenium
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (being addressed with USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by 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: 10/31/2008
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 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.
Line of evidence 2382 is a placeholder for a listing decision made prior to 2006.

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. 0 of 5 samples exceeded the criteria 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 28 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 4.1.
4. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on 10/31/2008.
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 there was a previous listing and there are not enough data to determine beneficial use support for this waterbody-pollutant combination with the statistical power and confidence required by the Listing Policy.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 138180, Selenium
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 253005
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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 LA County MS4 data for Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 5 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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 138180, Selenium
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 2382
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a listing decision made by USEPA for 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138181
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
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: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by 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: 10/29/2008
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 4.1 of the Listing Policy. Under SECTION 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.
1 of 21 samples exceeded the criteria.
3 of 12 samples exceeded the criteria

LOE 2383 is a placeholder and will not be used for assessment because there are other data to consider.

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. 1 of 21 and 3 of 12 samples exceeded the criteria and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Ballona Creek Metals TMDL was approved by USEPA on October 29, 2008.
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 138181, Zinc
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 253056
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 21
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 Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 21 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
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 138181, Zinc
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252919
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 12
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 Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 12 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-03-30 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 138181, Zinc
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 2383
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a listing decision made by USEPA for 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference 2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion:
Objective/Criterion Reference:
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation:
Temporal Representation:
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: QA Info Missing
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
138176
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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 138176, Cadmium
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 251898
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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 Sepulveda Canyon 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-05-20 and 2016-05-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
138177
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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 138177, Chlordane
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 252986
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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 Sepulveda Canyon to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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: SC_CUL (SC_CUL (Bacti)).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2019-11-27 and 2019-11-27
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
99020
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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 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.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 0 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 22 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. 0 of 0 and 0 of 22 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: 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 99020, Ammonia
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 89011
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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: Zero out of 22 samples collected exceeded the objective for total ammonia as nitrogen.
Data Reference: Letter with enclosures from the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Sanitation, Watershed Protection Division and Regulatory Affairs Division regarding several listed water bodies in the Los Angeles River watershed and Dominguez Channel watershed
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan objective for ammonia is a function of pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages. The objectives are applied as if early life stages are absent.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: All samples were collected at SCC at Culver Blvd.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected weekly from 5/14/2009 to 10/15/2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: All samples were collected by the Environmental Monitoring Division of the City of Los Angeles using a quality assurance program for all laboratory analysis. These laboratories are individually certified by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) of the California Department of Health Services.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99020, Ammonia
Region 4     
Sepulveda Canyon
 
LOE ID: 4169
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
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: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Unspecified--This LOE is a placeholder to support a 303(d) listing decision made prior to 2006.
Data Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Unspecified
Objective/Criterion Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Evaluation Guideline: Unspecified
Guideline Reference: Placeholder reference pre-2006 303(d)
 
Spatial Representation: Unspecified
Temporal Representation: Unspecified
Environmental Conditions: Unspecified
QAPP Information: Unspecified
QAPP Information Reference(s):