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

Supporting Information

Regional Board 4 - Los Angeles Region

Water Body Name: Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
Water Body ID: CAR4053100020110601150056
Water Body Type: River & Stream
 
DECISION ID
139813
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Iron
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
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 pollutant.
0 of the 12 samples exceed the criteria.
0 of the 12 samples exceed the criteria.
1 of the 1 samples exceed the criteria.
3 of the 32 samples exceed the criteria.

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. 3 of 32 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 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 139813, Iron
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254824
 
Pollutant: Iron
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139813, Iron
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254952
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Iron.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139813, Iron
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252346
 
Pollutant: Iron
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-10-04 and 2015-10-04
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 139813, Iron
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96110
 
Pollutant: Iron
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 32
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Three of the 32 samples exceeded the criteria of 1,000 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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 are intended protect aquatic organisms from chronic exposures (expressed as 4-day average concentration) in freshwater. The evaluation guideline for iron is 1,000 ug/L to protect warm freshwater habitat.
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 Rio Hondo Reach 2 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151936
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
Final Listing Decision: Do Not Delist from 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2018)
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
Expected TMDL Completion Date: 2027
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 4.2 of the Listing Policy. Under this section a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available 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. 46 of 182 samples exceeded the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.2 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 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 151936, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96117
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 105
Number of Exceedances: 41
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 105 averages of Dissolved Oxygen concentrations had 41 exceedences.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Dissolved Oxygen Water Quality Objective of all surface waters designated as Warm Fresh Water Aquatic Habitat shall not be depressed below 5 mg/l.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from the WN-RD1 (SG-RD1) station.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from July 2005 to November 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NPDES quality assurance.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 151936, Oxygen, Dissolved
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 307976
 
Pollutant: Oxygen, Dissolved
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 5
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 5 of 77 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Oxygen, Dissolved.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 3-39) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
150322
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Pathogens (15)
TMDL Project Code: 238
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2012
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, 4.3 and 4.11 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 waterbody-pollutant combination. Because a statistically sufficient number of geomean samples were not available, attainment of the bacteria objective was determined based only on the STV per the situation-specific weight of evidence approach outlined in Section 4.11 of the Listing Policy.

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. 25 of 26 samples exceeded the statistical threshold value for ED. coli and these exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 4.3 of the Listing Policy.
4. The Los Angeles River Bacteria TMDL was approved by USEPA on 03/23/2012.
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 150322, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 303016
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 1
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of the 1 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): RHSGRRH3_ARC (NA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2016-07-28 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 150322, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96108
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 35
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: Not Specified
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Sixteen of the thirty-five samples exceeded the E. coli objective.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The E. coli density shall not exceed 235/100 ml. Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Bacteria - 1986. EPA440/5-84-002
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected Whittier Narrows Station RSW-005 (Station R-D) and Whittier Narrows Station RSW-006 (Station RD-1)
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected weekly from June 2005 to 2006 and monthly from 2007 October 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The samples were collected under the San Jose Creek Laboratory sample collection methods.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150322, Indicator Bacteria
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 303198
 
Pollutant: Escherichia coli (E. coli)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: STV
 
Beneficial Use: Water Contact Recreation
 
Number of Samples: 25
Number of Exceedances: 24
 
Data and Information Type: PATHOGEN MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 24 of the 25 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): RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the days of 2015-09-21 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
139840
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
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 139840, 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256297
 
Pollutant: 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Trichloroethane, 1,1,2-.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 National Recommended Water Quality Criteria (Gold Book) for freshwater aquatic life protection, chronic Lowest Observed Effect Level is 9,400 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139821
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

One line of evidence is 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 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 23 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139821, 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254414
 
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: 23
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid, 2,4-.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139837
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Acrolein
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 139837, Acrolein
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253396
 
Pollutant: Acrolein
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Acrolein.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 acrolein criterion for the protection of aquatic life in freshwater is 3 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139838
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139838, Aldrin
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253336
 
Pollutant: Aldrin
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Aldrin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139839
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139839, Alkalinity as CaCO3
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251824
 
Pollutant: Alkalinity as CaCO3
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
153938
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Aluminum
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: 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.

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 153938, Aluminum
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 314823
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
139795
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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. 0 of 23 and 0 of 23 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 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 139795, Antimony
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253409
 
Pollutant: Antimony
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139795, Antimony
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253453
 
Pollutant: Antimony
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Antimony.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139796
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 of24 and 0 of 36 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139796, Arsenic
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253417
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Arsenic.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139796, Arsenic
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251809
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-09-21
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 139796, Arsenic
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96101
 
Pollutant: Arsenic
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
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 36 samples exceeded the criteria of 150 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. California Toxics Rule (CTR) lists criterion continuous concentrations (4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater. The CTR for arsenic is 150 ug/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
151615
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Benthic Community Effects
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: 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.
 
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 151615, Benthic Community Effects
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 305385
 
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 412RHWNRD to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the threshold. CSCI scores were from 0.439593825 to 0.439593825.
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 412RHWNRD.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected from 9/13/2005 to 9/13/2005.
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
139797
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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 23 and 0 of 23 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139797, Beryllium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253702
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Beryllium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139797, Beryllium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253680
 
Pollutant: Beryllium
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Beryllium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139798
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

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 78 and 0 of 44 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139798, Cadmium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253710
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cadmium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139798, Cadmium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96102
 
Pollutant: Cadmium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 44
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 44 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139799
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139799, Chlordane
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255934
 
Pollutant: Chlordane
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Total Chlordane. Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139800
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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 78 and 0 of 2 samples exceeded the objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139800, Chloride
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243973
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
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 data from the Los Angeles County MS4 Permit to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 2 samples exceed the criterion 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 gives a site specific objective for Chloride in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 150 (mg/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RHSGRRH3ARC (34.090263, -118.033537), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence.
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 9/21/2015 - 10/4/2015, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Los Angeles County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System quality control and quality assurance procedures listed in coordinated integrated monitoring plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139800, Chloride
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243776
 
Pollutant: Chloride
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data from the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 78 samples exceed the criterion for Chloride.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 list a site specific objective for Chloride in the Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 150 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RSW-005 (34.032639, -118.0715), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds).
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 6/6/2011 - 9/22/2020, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit monitoring and reporting program.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NDPES Permit quality assurance provisions for water quality monitoring.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139801
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
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 139801, Chlorine
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253611
 
Pollutant: Chlorine
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Chlorine, Total Residual. Although a total of 104 samples were collected, 104 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: Chlorine residual shall not be present in surface water any concentration that causes impairment of beneficial uses.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: The USEPA recommended chlorine criterion for the protection of aquatic ife in freshwater is 11 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-06-06 to 2020-06-23
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139841
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 24 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 36 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 30 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 24, 0 of 36 and 0 of 30 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139841, Chromium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253940
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139841, Chromium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96104
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total 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 Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139841, Chromium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96103
 
Pollutant: Chromium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
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 36 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139841, Chromium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251843
 
Pollutant: Chromium
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
139802
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 16 and 0 of 8 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139802, Chromium, hexavalent
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254033
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 8 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium VI.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (VI) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 11 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2013-05-15
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139802, Chromium, hexavalent
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251931
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium VI.
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 (VI) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 11 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-09-21
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 139802, Chromium, hexavalent
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253962
 
Pollutant: Chromium, hexavalent
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 15
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 15 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium VI.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The dissolved chromium (VI) criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 11 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2013-11-04 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139803
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Chromium, trivalent
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 23 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139803, Chromium, trivalent
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254174
 
Pollutant: Chromium, trivalent
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Chromium III.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 hardness dependent. The criterion when calculated 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139805
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
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 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.

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 23 and 0 of 1 samples exceeded the criterion 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 139805, Cyanide
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254256
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Cyanide.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139805, Cyanide
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252371
 
Pollutant: Cyanide
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-01-31 and 2016-01-31
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
149792
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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 149792, DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254047
 
Pollutant: DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for DDT(p,p'). Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139807
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 0 and 0 of 26 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139807, Diazinon
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254475
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 26 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Diazinon.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139807, Diazinon
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96106
 
Pollutant: Diazinon
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
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: The reporting limit for the non-detect sample was 0.05 which is equal to the evaluation guideline, therefore these data are not of sufficient resolution to determine if water quality standards are being achieved.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Region 4 Basin Plan objective is "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 screening criteria is 0.05 ug/L, chronic 4-day average. 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
 
Spatial Representation: A total of six samples were collected at sampling locations, RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 . Location description:Whittier Narrows Station RSW-005 (Station R-D)
Temporal Representation: Six water samples were collected at both RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 in 2/16/2010, 5/10/2010, and 11/09/2009.
Environmental Conditions: There was no special environmental conditions reported.
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139808
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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 139808, Dieldrin
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254569
 
Pollutant: Dieldrin
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Dieldrin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139809
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan sulfate
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 139809, Endosulfan sulfate
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254583
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan sulfate
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan Sulfate.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 National Recommended Water Quality Criteria toxicity threshold for endosulfan sulfate for freshwater aquatic life protection is 0.056 ug/l (24 hour 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139810
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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 139810, Endrin
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254787
 
Pollutant: Endrin
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endrin.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The endrin criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.036 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139811
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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 139811, Heptachlor
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254876
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor. Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139812
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139812, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96109
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
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: The reporting limit for the non-detect sample was .01 ug/L which is greater than the evaluation guideline, therefore these data are not of sufficient resolution to determine if water quality standards are being achieved.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Region 4 Basin Plan objective is "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: California Toxic Rule criteria fresh aquatic life protection continuous concentration (4-day average)is 0.0038 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: A total of two samples were collected at sampling locations, RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1. Location description:Whittier Narrows Station RSW-005 (Station R-D)
Temporal Representation: Two water samples were collected at both RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 in 2/16/2010.
Environmental Conditions: There was no special environmental conditions reported.
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139812, Heptachlor epoxide
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254776
 
Pollutant: Heptachlor epoxide
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Heptachlor Epoxide. Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139814
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Lead
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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. 2 of 83 and 0 of 64 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139814, Lead
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96111
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 64
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 64 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139814, Lead
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254724
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139814, Lead
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252566
 
Pollutant: Lead
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 5
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and the results are as follows: 2 of the 5 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Lead. 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 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 (RHSGRRH3ARC).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody was collected over the date range 2015-10-04 to 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
139815
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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 139815, Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254749
 
Pollutant: Lindane/gamma Hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for HCH, gamma-.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139816
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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 139816, Malathion
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252502
 
Pollutant: Malathion
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Malathion.
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: 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-10-04 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
149793
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

4 lines of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 61 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 79 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 4 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 44 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 61, 0 of 79, 0 of 4 and 0 of 44 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 149793, Mercury
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255118
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 79
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 79 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149793, Mercury
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252434
 
Pollutant: Mercury
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 LA County MS4 data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 4 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-12-15 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 149793, Mercury
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255080
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 61
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 61 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Mercury.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2019-04-08
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149793, Mercury
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96112
 
Pollutant: Mercury
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 44
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 44 samples exceeded the criteria of 0.77 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139817
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 23 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139817, Methoxychlor
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255190
 
Pollutant: Methoxychlor
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Methoxychlor.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 national ambient water quality criterion for freshwater aquatic life Criterion Continuous Concentration (CCC) expressed as a 4-day average for methoxychlor is 0.03 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139818
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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 139818, Naphthalene
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255086
 
Pollutant: Naphthalene
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Naphthalene.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 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 USEPA recommended naphthalene criterion for the protection of freshwater aquatic life is 620 ug/l. (EPA 440/5-80-059)
Guideline Reference: Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Naphthalene
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139819
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 25 and 0 of 36 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139819, Nickel
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252579
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-10-04
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 139819, Nickel
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96113
 
Pollutant: Nickel
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
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 36 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139819, Nickel
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255342
 
Pollutant: Nickel
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nickel.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139820
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available 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 31, 0 of 5 and 0 of 102 samples exceeded the objective 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 139820, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243777
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Groundwater Recharge
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data from the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 31 samples exceed the criterion for Nitrate + Nitrite as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 list a site specific objective for Nitrate + Nitrite as N in the Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 8 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RSW-005 (34.032639, -118.0715), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds).
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 2/4/2015 - 9/22/2020, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit monitoring and reporting program.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NDPES Permit quality assurance provisions for water quality monitoring.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139820, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243974
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Groundwater Recharge
 
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 data from the Los Angeles County MS4 Permit to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 5 samples exceed the criterion 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 gives a site specific objective for Nitrate + Nitrite as N in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 8 (mg/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RHSGRRH3ARC (34.090263, -118.033537), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence.
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 10/4/2015 - 11/22/2018, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Los Angeles County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System quality control and quality assurance procedures listed in coordinated integrated monitoring plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139820, Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96114
 
Pollutant: Nitrate/Nitrite (Nitrite + Nitrate as N)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 102
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: None of the 102 composite samples exceeded the objective for nitrate + nitrite. Sampling data for both nitrate and nitrite were summed to determine whether sampling data met the water quality objectives.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Water Quality Control Plan for the Los Angeles Region site specific objective for Nitrogen (Nitrate + Nitrite as N) in Rio Hondo above Santa Ana Freeway is 8 mg/L. From table 3-8 titled "Water Quality Objectives for Selected Constituents in Inland Surface Waters".
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at site Whittier Narrows Long River Run RD-1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected June 2005 to July 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of an NPDES permit requirement. Receiving water data collected to represent the water body as a whole. No QAPP was submitted but an unsigned field manual was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
149794
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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 39 and 0 of 12 samples exceeded the objective 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 149794, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 302603
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 38
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 38 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Nitrate as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-05 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 149794, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 302533
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-06 and 2018-02-06
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 149794, Nitrogen, Nitrate
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 302523
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, Nitrate
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
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 LA County MS4 data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 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
139822
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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 139822, Oil and Grease
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252755
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-10-04 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
139823
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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 26 samples 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 139823, Organophosphate Pesticides
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255529
 
Pollutant: Organophosphate Pesticides
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 26
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 26 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Organophosphorus Pesticides.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139827
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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 139827, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255700
 
Pollutant: PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls). Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The PCB, total aroclors criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.014 ug/L. This value corresponds to the sum of aroclors 1242, 1254, 1221, 1232, 1248, 1260, and 1016 (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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139825
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139825, Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255580
 
Pollutant: Pentachlorophenol (PCP)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Pentachlorophenol.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139828
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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

Based on the readily available 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 23, 0 of 23 and 0 of 36 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139828, Selenium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96119
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 36
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 36 samples exceeded the criteria of 5 ug/L.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139828, Selenium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255611
 
Pollutant: Selenium
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139828, Selenium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255385
 
Pollutant: Selenium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Selenium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139829
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 56 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
0 of 23 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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 23 and 0 of 56 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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 139829, Silver
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256066
 
Pollutant: Silver
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Silver.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139829, Silver
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96120
 
Pollutant: Silver
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 56
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 56 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139830
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 78 samples exceeded the objective and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139830, Sulfates
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243778
 
Pollutant: Sulfates
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Groundwater Recharge
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data from the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 78 samples exceed the criterion for Sulfate.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 list a site specific objective for Sulfate in the Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 300 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RSW-005 (34.032639, -118.0715), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds).
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 6/6/2020 - 9/22/2020, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit monitoring and reporting program.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NDPES Permit quality assurance provisions for water quality monitoring.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139832
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Thallium
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 23 and 0 of 23 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139832, Thallium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256032
 
Pollutant: Thallium
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thallium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 thallium chronic toxicity to one species of fish occurs at concentrations as low as 20 ug/L after 2,600 hours of exposure. (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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139832, Thallium
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255751
 
Pollutant: Thallium
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 23 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Thallium.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 thallium chronic toxicity to one species of fish occurs at concentrations as low as 20 ug/L after 2,600 hours of exposure. (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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139833
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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 80 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139833, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243779
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed data from the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 78 samples exceed the criterion for Total Dissolved Solids.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 list a site specific objective for Total Dissolved Solids in the Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 750 mg/L.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RSW-005 (34.032639, -118.0715), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds).
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 6/6/2020 - 9/22/2020, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NPDES Permit monitoring and reporting program.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant NDPES Permit quality assurance provisions for water quality monitoring.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139833, Total Dissolved Solids
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 243975
 
Pollutant: Total Dissolved Solids
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 data from the Los Angeles County MS4 Permit to determine beneficial use support. The results are as follows: 0 out of 2 samples exceed the criterion for Total Dissolved Solids.
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 gives a site specific objective for Total Dissolved Solids in Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) of 750 (mg/L).
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Station RHSGRRH3ARC (34.090263, -118.033537), located in Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence.
Temporal Representation: The water samples were taken between 9/21/2015 - 10/4/2015, per the monitoring requirements listed in the Los Angeles County Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The work was performed in accordance with the provisions of the Los Angeles Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System quality control and quality assurance procedures listed in coordinated integrated monitoring plan.
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
139834
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 0 sample exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139834, Toxaphene
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256146
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support, and the results are as follows: 0 of the 0 samples exceeded the evaluation guideline for Toxaphene. Although a total of 12 samples were collected, 12 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 Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The toxaphene criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 4-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is 0.0002 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: Data for this waterbody were collected over the date range 2011-08-10 to 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139834, Toxaphene
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96121
 
Pollutant: Toxaphene
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
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: Since the criteria is smaller than the reporting limit and method detection limit, none of samples can be counted.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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: Criteria Continuous Concentration (4-day Average) is 0.0002 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: A total of two samples were collected at sampling locations, RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 . Location description:Whittier Narrows Station RSW-005 (Station R-D)
Temporal Representation: Two water samples were collected at both RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 in 2/16/2010.
Environmental Conditions: There was no special environmental conditions reported.
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139835
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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: 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.

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 77 samples exceeded the criteria 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 139835, Turbidity
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256185
 
Pollutant: Turbidity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 77
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 77 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Turbidity.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139806
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139806, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254624
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan I.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139806, alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252293
 
Pollutant: alpha-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 1)
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 2 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 and 2015-10-04
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
QAPP Information Reference(s): Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
 
 
DECISION ID
139824
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
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 139824, beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 254448
 
Pollutant: beta-Endosulfan (Endosulfan 2)
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 eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 12 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Endosulfan II.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-08-10 and 2020-08-20
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139826
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: pH
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
4 of 149 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification against placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 4 of 149 samples exceeded the OBJECTIVE and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are not being exceeded.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139826, pH
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 255543
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: None
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 83
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 83 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for pH.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139826, pH
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96118
 
Pollutant: pH
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 66
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Numeric data generated from 66 averages of pH had 3 exceedences.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The pH of all inland surface waters 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: Samples were collected from the WN-RD1 (SG-RD1) station.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected approximately once a month from July 2005 to November 2009.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: NPDES quality assurance.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
139804
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

2 lines of evidence are available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
18 of 162 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.
1 of 1 sample exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is sufficient justification in favor of placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List 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. 18 of 162 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252172
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-06 and 2018-02-06
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 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251992
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
Number of Exceedances: 16
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed LA County MS4 data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 16 of 18 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 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 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252235
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 1 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: RHSGRRH3_ARC (NA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-07-28 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 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 251974
 
Pollutant: Copper
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 1 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-06 and 2018-02-06
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 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96105
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 64
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 64 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139804, Copper
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253994
 
Pollutant: Copper
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 1 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Copper.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139831
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
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 3.2 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.2 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.

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. 26 of 133 samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.2 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should 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 139831, Temperature, water
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256051
 
Pollutant: Temperature, water
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 133
Number of Exceedances: 26
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 26 of 133 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Temperature.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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 3-45) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
139836
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary 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 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 98 samples exceed the criteria and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
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 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252920
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-06 and 2018-02-06
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 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 256176
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 78
Number of Exceedances: 0
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 of 78 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Zinc.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) 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: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2011-06-06 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253083
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2018-02-06 and 2018-02-06
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 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252945
 
Pollutant: Zinc
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 0 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: RHSGRRH3_ARC (NA).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2016-07-28 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 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96123
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 64
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 64 samples exceeded the hardness adjusted criteria.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
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. 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.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
Objective/Criterion 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
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected from Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) at sample location WN (also called SG) at two sublocations: RD and RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected monthly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 139836, Zinc
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 252923
 
Pollutant: Zinc
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Dissolved
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 18
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 9 of 18 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: RHSGRRH3ARC (Rio Hondo Reach 3, just downstream of Arcadia Wash confluence).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-09-21 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
150452
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Ammonia
Final Listing Decision: List on 303(d) list (being addressed by USEPA approved TMDL)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: New Decision
Revision Status Revised
Sources: A Source Unknown
TMDL Name: Los Angeles River Nitrogen (11)
TMDL Project Code: 229
Date TMDL Approved by USEPA: 03/23/2004
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

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. 3 of 27 samples exceed the objective and this exceeds the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should be placed on the section 303(d) list because applicable water quality standards are exceeded and a pollutant contributes to or causes the problem.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation:
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 150452, Ammonia
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 253423
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 27
Number of Exceedances: 3
 
Data and Information Type: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL MONITORING
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Water Board staff assessed eSMR_Whittier Narrows Water Reclamation Plant data for Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds) to determine beneficial use support and results are as follows: 3 of 27 samples exceeded the water quality threshold for Ammonia as N.
Data Reference: WQ data from the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS) assembled for the 2024 Integrated Report in Region 4.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Total Ammonia criterion continuous concentration (expressed as a 30-day average) to protect aquatic life in freshwater is Temperature and pH dependent, and was calculated according to the formula listed in the Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013 document.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Aquatic Life Ambient Water Quality Criteria for Ammonia - Freshwater 2013
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: The samples were collected at 1 monitoring site: 739922 (RSW-005).
Temporal Representation: The samples were collected between the dates of 2015-01-05 and 2020-09-22
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: State Board Staff. 2021. QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program.
QAPP Information Reference(s): QAPP Reference for Beach Watch Program
 
 
DECISION ID
100231
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.1 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.1 a single line of evidence are necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
0 of 2 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient justification for placing this water segment-pollutant combination on the CWA section 303(d) List. This conclusion is based on the staff findings that:
1. The data used satisfies the data quality requirements of section 6.1.4 of the Policy.
2. The data used satisfies the data quantity requirements of section 6.1.5 of the Policy.
3. 0 of 2 samples exceeded the CRITERIA and this sample size is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating. A minimum of 16 samples is needed to determine if a beneficial use is fully supported using table 3.1.
4. Pursuant to SECTION 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100231, Endosulfan
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96107
 
Pollutant: Endosulfan
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: None of the two samples exceeded the water quality criteria/objective.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Region 4 Basin Plan objective is "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 California Toxic Rule Endosulfan I and II criteria for fresh aquatic life protection continuous concentration (4-day average)is 0.056 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: A total of two samples were collected at sampling locations, RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 . Location description:Whittier Narrows Station RSW-005 (Station R-D).
Temporal Representation: Two water samples were collected at both RH_WN_R-D and RH_WN_R-D-1 in 2/16/2010.
Environmental Conditions: There was no special environmental conditions reported.
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
100276
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total 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 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 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
2 of 50 samples exceeded the CRITERIA.

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. 2 of 50 samples exceeded the CRITERIA 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: 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 100276, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96115
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 24
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 24 30-day averages exceeded the objective for ammonia. A total of 43 samples were collected. Only samples during the months when early life stages were absent were assessed. A calendar month was considered as a 30-day averaging period.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan 30-day site specific objective for total ammonia as nitrogen is a function of pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages. The site specific objective for Rio Hondo (Upstream of Whittier Narrows Dam) has early life stages absent October 1st through March 31st.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at site Whittier Narrows Long River Run RD-1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected weekly from June 2005 to September 2006. Samples were collected monthly from October 2006 to July 2009. Only samples during the months when early life stages were absent were assessed.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of an NPDES permit requirement. Receiving water data collected to represent the water body as a whole. No QAPP was submitted but an unsigned field manual was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 100276, Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96116
 
Pollutant: Nitrogen, ammonia (Total Ammonia)
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Total
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 26
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 26 30-day averages exceeded the objective for ammonia. A total of 59 samples were collected. Only samples during the months when early life stages were present were assessed. A calendar month was considered as a 30-day averaging period.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Plan 30-day site specific objective for total ammonia as nitrogen is a function of pH, temperature, and the presence of early life stages. The site specific objective for Rio Hondo (Upstream of Whittier Narrows Dam) has early life stages present April 1st through September 30th.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline:
Guideline Reference:
 
Spatial Representation: Samples were collected at site Whittier Narrows Long River Run RD-1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected weekly from June 2005 to September 2006. Samples were collected monthly from October 2006 to July 2009. Only samples during the months when early life stages were present were assessed.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: Samples were collected as part of an NPDES permit requirement. Receiving water data collected to represent the water body as a whole. No QAPP was submitted but an unsigned field manual was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):
 
 
DECISION ID
99732
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)
Last Listing Cycle's Final Listing Decision: Do Not List on 303(d) list (TMDL required list)(2016)
Revision Status Original
Impairment from Pollutant or Pollution: Pollutant
 
Regional Board Conclusion: This pollutant is being considered for placement on the CWA section 303(d) List under section 3.6 of the Listing Policy. Under section 3.6 a single line of evidence is necessary to assess listing status.

1 line of evidence is available in the administrative record to assess this pollutant.
1 of 31 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE.

Based on the readily available data and information, the weight of evidence indicates that there is insufficient 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. 1 of 31 samples exceeded the GUIDELINE and this does not exceed the allowable frequency listed in Table 3.1 of the Listing Policy. However, the control data was not provided, indicating poor quality assurance.
4. Pursuant to section 3.11 of the Listing Policy, no additional data and information are available indicating that standards are not met.
 
Regional Board Decision Recommendation: After review of the available data and information, RWQCB staff concludes that the water body-pollutant combination should not be placed on the section 303(d) list. The readily available data and information is insufficient to determine, with the power and confidence of the Listing Policy, the applicable beneficial use support rating.
 
State Board Review of Regional Board Conclusion and Recommendation:
 
State Board Decision Recommendation: After review of this Regional Board decision, SWRCB staff recommend the decision be approved by the State Board.
 
 
Line of Evidence (LOE) for Decision ID 99732, Toxicity
Region 4     
Rio Hondo Reach 3 (above Spreading Grounds)
 
LOE ID: 96122
 
Pollutant: Toxicity
LOE Subgroup: Pollutant-Water
Matrix: Water
Fraction: Not Recorded
 
Beneficial Use: Warm Freshwater Habitat
 
Number of Samples: 31
Number of Exceedances: 1
 
Data and Information Type: Fixed station physical/chemical (conventional plus toxic pollutants)
Data Used to Assess Water Quality: Toxicity data was not reported with a control. For acute toxicity, there shall be no acute toxicity in ambient waters, including mixing zones. The acute toxicity objective for discharges dictates that the average survival in undiluted effluent for any three consecutive 96-hour static or continuous flow bioassay tests shall be at least 90%, with no single test having less than 70% survival when using an established USEPA, State Board, or other protocol authorized by the Regional Board. For chronic toxicity, as stated in the Basin Plan, ¿there shall be no chronic toxicity in ambient waters outside mixing zones. To determine compliance with this objective, critical life stage tests for at least three species with approved testing protocols shall be used to screen for the most sensitive species. The test species used for screening shall include a vertebrate, an invertebrate, and an aquatic plant. The most sensitive species shall then be used for routine monitoring. Typical endpoints for chronic toxicity tests include hatchability, gross morphological abnormalities, survival, growth, and reproduction.¿ However, there is no specific numeric target for chronic toxicity in the Basin Plan. In light of this, it may also be that the use of the monthly median of chronic toxicity to assess the chronic toxicity is appropriate since this method is used in recently adopted Los Angeles Region NPDES permits.

Two of the eleven fathead minnow chronic-survival tests were less than 100% and three of the eleven fathead minnow chronic-growth were less than 100; these were grouped to make a total of three of eleven exceedances. However, the three exceedances were found in the same month. Therefore, only one exceedance was found using the monthly median of chronic toxicity. All of the eleven ceriodaphnia chronic survival and growth tests were reported at 100 (0 of 11 exceedances). Two of the nine acute tests on the fathead minnow were less than 100% survival.
Data Reference: Data for Various Pollutants in Various Water Bodies in Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, 2005-2010.
 
SWAMP Data: Non-SWAMP
 
Water Quality Objective/Criterion: Toxic pollutants shall not be present at levels that will bioaccumulate in aquatic life to levels which are harmful to aquatic life or human health. No individual pesticide or combination of pesticides shall be present in concentrations that adversely affect beneficial uses. There shall be no bioaccumulation of pesticide concentrations found in bottom sediments or aquatic life.
Objective/Criterion Reference: Water Quality Control Plan Los Angeles Region R4 Basin Plan
 
Evaluation Guideline: Toxicity is defined as being significantly different than the control using a t-test or other valid statistical test.
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 Rio Hondo Reach 3 (At Spreading Grounds) from location WN at sublocation RD1.
Temporal Representation: Samples were collected quarterly from June 2006 through May of 2010.
Environmental Conditions:
QAPP Information: The Biology Department of the San Jose Creek Water Quality Laboratory is responsible for collecting samples from receiving water stations along the San Gabriel River, Coyote Creek, San Jose Creek, Santa Clara River, and the Rio Hondo River. Data is collected for the Los Angeles Sanitation District NPDES permits. Some standard operating procedures for sampling were submitted, however no QA Project Plan was.
QAPP Information Reference(s):